Circulation of a different lineage of dengue virus serotype 2 American / Asian genotype in the peruvian Amazon, 2010

Abstract

Our objective was to determine the genotype of the dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2) that circulated in the Amazon region of Peru between November 2010 and January 2011. We analyzed eight samples collected during dengue surveillance activities in the cities of Iquitos, Yurimaguas, Trujillo, Tarapoto and Lima between November 2010 and January 2011 that were sent to Insitituto Nacional de Salud. The viruses were isolated in C6/36 HT cell line. Viral RNA was extracted and the serotype (RT - PCR multiplex) and genotype (RT-Nested PCR of the region E/NS1) were determined. Finally, the E/ NS1 amplicons were sequenced and analyzed by phylogeny. The phylogenetic analysis revealed the introduction of a different lineage which entered in Peru by the end of 2010. These isolates found in Iquitos and other cities in Peru are closely related to DENV-2 isolates that circulated in Brazil during 2007 and 2008, associated with severe dengue cases and deaths. In conclusion, we detected the introduction of a different lineage of DENV-2 America / Asia genotype in Peru that could be associated with the presence of more severe cases.