Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Taxonomy, Genomics, and Evolution

J Med Entomol. 2022 Jan 12;59(1):14-19. doi: 10.1093/jme/tjab079.

Abstract

Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV; Togaviridae, Alphavirus) is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) primarily maintained in an enzootic cycle between Culiseta melanura (Coquillett) and passerine birds. EEEV, which has the highest reported case- fatality rate among arbovirus in the Americas, is responsible for sporadic outbreaks in the Eastern and Midwest United States. Infection is associated with severe neurologic disease and mortality in horses, humans, and other vertebrate hosts. Here, we review what is known about EEEV taxonomy, functional genomics, and evolution, and identify gaps in knowledge regarding the role of EEEV genetic diversity in transmission and disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Evolution
  • Encephalitis Virus, Eastern Equine* / classification
  • Encephalitis Virus, Eastern Equine* / genetics
  • Encephalomyelitis, Equine* / transmission
  • Encephalomyelitis, Equine* / virology
  • Evolution, Molecular*
  • Genetic Variation*
  • Genome, Viral*
  • Genomics