Objective: To investigate the genetic diversity of Zika Virus (ZIKV) and the relationships
existing among these circulating viruses worldwide. To evaluate the genetic
polymorphisms harbored from ZIKV that can have an influence on the virus circulation.
Methods: Three different ZIKV dataset were built. The first dataset included 63 E gene
sequences, the second one 22 NS3 sequences and the third dataset was composed of 108
NS5 gene sequences. Phylogenetic and selective pressure analysis was performed. The
edited nucleic acid alignment from the Envelope dataset was used to generate a conceptual
translation to the corresponding peptide sequences through UGene software.
Results: The phylogeographic reconstruction was able to discriminate unambiguously
that the Brazilian strains are belonged to the Asian lineage. The structural analysis reveals
instead the presence of the Ser residue in the Brazilian sequences (however already
observed in other previously reported ZIKV infections) that could suggest the presence of
a neutralization-resistant population of viruses.
Conclusions: Phylogenetic, evolutionary and selective pressure analysis contributed to
improve the knowledge on the circulation of ZIKV.