Comparative analysis of the genome sequences and replication profiles of chikungunya virus isolates within the East, Central and South African (ECSA) lineage

Abstract

Background: A comparative analysis of the genomic and replication profiles of different geographical chikungunya virus (CHIKV) isolates of the East, Central and South African (ECSA) lineage was performed. Findings. Analysis of the data revealed the different growth kinetics for the different isolates. Deep genome sequencing analysis further revealed specific amino acid mutations in the viral nsP1, nsP3, nsP4, E1 and E2 proteins in the different isolates. Despite the difference in viral genomic profiles, the virus-induced ultrastructural changes within infected cells remained highly conserved among the different chikungunya virus isolates. Conclusions: These findings provide insights into the genomic and replication profiles of the re-emerging chikungunya virus isolates of the ECSA lineage. © 2013 Chen et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.