Geographic characteristics of HTLV-1 molecular subgroups and genetic substitutions in East Asia: Insights from complete genome sequencing of HTLV-1 strains isolated in Taiwan and Japan

In this study, we determined the complete genome sequences of HTLV-1 strains isolated from Taiwan and Japan and investigated the geographic characteristics of molecular subgroups and substitution mutations to understand the spread of HTLV-1 and its correlation with human migration. Methodology/Principal findingsThe complete genome sequences of 26 HTLV-1 isolates from Taiwan were determined using next-generation sequencing and were compared with those of 211 isolates from Japan in terms of subgroup and genetic mutations. In total, 15/26 (58%) isolates from Taiwan belonged to the transcontinental subgroup and 11/26 (42%) isolates belonged to the Japanese subgroup. The transcontinental subgroup was significantly more prevalent among Taiwanese isolates than Japanese isolates (58% vs 18%,P
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Source Type: research