Analysis of genotype diversity and evolution of Dengue virus serotype 2 using complete genomes

Abstract

Complete genome-based analysis revealed that the worldwide population of DENV-2 strains is subdivided into fifteen lineages. The population structure of DENV-2 is spatiotemporal and is shaped by episodic positive selection and recombination. Intra-genotype diversity was observed in four genotypes (Asian/American, Asian I, cosmopolitan and sylvatic). Episodic positive selection on envelope and non-structural genes translates into antigenic diversity and appears to be responsible for emergence of strains/lineages in DENV-2 genotypes. Understanding of the genotype diversity and emerging lineages will be useful to design strategies for epidemiological surveillance and vaccine design.