Chikungunya viruses containing the A226V mutation detected retrospectively in Cameroon form a new geographical subclade. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Agbodzi, Bright; Yousseu, Francine Berlange Sado; Simo, Fredy Brice Nemg; Kumordjie, Selassie; Yeboah, Clara; Mosore, Mba-Tihssommah; Bentil, Ronald E.; Prieto, Karla; Colston, Sophie M.; Attram, Naiki; Nimo-Paintsil, Shirley; Fox, Anne T.; Bonney, Joseph H.K.; Ampofo, William; Coatsworth, Heather G.; Dinglasan, Rhoel R.; Wolfe, David M.; Wiley, Michael R.; Demanou, Maurice; Letizia, Andrew G.
• Is Part Of: International journal of infectious diseases. Volume 113(2021)
• Page Start: 65
• Page End: 73
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) -- Cameroon -- New Central African Clade (nCAC) -- E1-A226V -- Aedes albopictus; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.09.058
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1201-9712

Abstract

Highlights: Chikungunya viruses (CHIKVs) in Cameroon form a new geographical subclade. Cameroon CHIKVs contain the A226V mutation. Cameroon CHIKVs have an evolutionary rate two times that of the main East/Central/South African (ECSA). CHIKVs in Yaoundé and surrounding areas are likely Aedes albopictus -adapted. Abstract: Background: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a re-emerging arbovirus associated with sporadic outbreaks in Cameroon since 2006. Viral whole genomes were generated to analyze the origins of evolutionary lineages, the potential of emergence/re-emergence, and to infer transmission dynamics of recent Cameroon CHIKV outbreak strains. Methods: Samples collected between 2016 and 2019 during CHIKV outbreaks in Cameroon were screened for CHIKV using reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), followed by whole genome sequencing of positive samples. Results: Three coding-complete CHIKV genomes were obtained from samples, which belong to an emerging sub-lineage of the East/Central/South African genotype and formed a monophyletic taxon with previous Central African strains. This clade, which we have named the new Central African clade, appears to be evolving at 3.0 × 10 −4 nucleotide substitutions per site per year (95% highest posterior density (HPD) interval of 1.94 × 10 −4 to 4.1 × 10 −4 ). Notably, mutations in the envelope proteins (E1-A226V, E2-L210Q, and E2-I211T), which are known to enhance CHIKV adaptability and infectious potential in Aedes albopictus, were present in all strains and mapped to established high-density Ae. albopictus populations. Conclusions: These new CHIKV strains constitute a conserved genomic pool of an emerging sub-lineage, reflecting a putative vector host adaptation to Ae. albopictus, which has practically displaced Aedes aegypti from select regions of Cameroon.