Revisiting Orthotospovirus phylogeny using full-genome data and testing the contribution of selection, recombination and segment reassortment in the origin of members of new species

In this study, we examined 67 complete genome sequences from members of 22 species. Our study confirms the existence of four phylogroups (A to D), grouped in two major clades (A-B and C-D) within the genus. We found strong evidence that within-segment recombination events and reassortment of segments during mixed infections have been involved in the origin of new orthotospoviruses. Also, selection pressures were analyzed for each gene, and evidence of positive selection was found in all genes.

Source: Archives of Virology - January 4, 2021 Category: Virology Source Type: research