Genetic and biological characterization of Dengue virus, Zika virus and Chikungunya virusisolated in a prospective cohort in SJ Rio Preto, SP

Abstract

Dengue is one of the most important arbovirus diseases in the world. The Dengue virus belongs to the genus Flavivirus (family Flaviviridae) and has four genetically and antigenically distinct serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4). The virus is transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical areas in which climatic conditions favor the maintenance of the vectors. An increase in the genetic variability of the virus has been described, allowing characterize different genotypes and lineages within each serotype that may have significant differences in biological characteristics. To date, there is the deficit of broader studies correlating the epidemiology of the disease, genetic variability and interaction between virus and the host. Therefore, this work intendeds to evaluate the genetic and biological characteristics of Dengue virus samples isolated from patients followed in a prospective cohort study in São Jose do Rio Preto. In addition, in this study is intended to evaluate the incidence and prevalence of distinct serotypes, and, then to analyze phylogenetically the isolated viral strains in the municipality, to correlate genetic variability of viral strains with the multiplication rate, virulence, pathogenicity and to correlate them with the clinical and epidemiological features of patients.