 |
| Click to enlarge. An alignment of the previously known 4 dengue virus complete genome sequence. The GenBank accession number is shown next to the serotype's name. They share 68% olignucleotide identity. Aligned using Geneious 6.1.6. |
Dengue viruses have an ~11 kilobase, positive-sense, RNA genome enveloped in a lipid bilayer membrane (taken from the host cell upon virion exit) resulting in a 50 nanometer particle.
Dengue viruses belong to the Family Flaviviridae, Genus Flavivirus and belong to the Species Dengue virus. The viral genome produces a single polyprotein that is cut into 10 proteins (called C, M, E, NS1, NS2A, NS2B, NS3, NS4a, NS4b, NS5). M and E are embedded in the viral membrane.
New virions are assembled on the surface of the endoplasmic reticulum. Dengue virus is transmitted to non-human primates and humans via a mosquito vector (primarily of the genus Aedes) and infection can result in dengue haemorrhagic fever.
This virus, DENV-5 (preusmably), was discovered by Dr Nikolaos Vasilakis and colleagues. It is the 5th member of the species and the first addition in 50-years. DENV-1 to DENV-4, called serotypes (because they interact differently with our immune response to them) are approximately 65% identical in sequence.
How this latest discovery will impact on existing efforts to interrupt, treat or prevent infection and disease remain to be seen. As does a full research publication.
Thanks to FluTrackers for their earlier post on this.
Further Reading:
