Abstract
We report here the complete genome sequence of a lineage 2 West Nile virus (WNV) strain that resulted in fatal neurological disease in a horse in South Africa. Several recent reports exist of neurological disease associated with lineage 2 WNV in humans and horses in South Africa and Europe; however, there are a lack of sequencing data from recent fatal cases in Southern Africa, where these strains likely originate. A better understanding of the genetic composition of highly neuroinvasive lineage 2 strains may facilitate the identification of putative genetic factors associated with increased virulence.
Highlights
We report here the complete genome sequence of a lineage 2 West Nile virus (WNV) strain that resulted in fatal neurological disease in a horse in South Africa
Several recent reports exist of neurological disease associated with lineage 2 WNV in humans and horses in South Africa and Europe; there are a lack of sequencing data from recent fatal cases in Southern Africa, where these strains likely originate
We described WNVL2 strains associated with severe neurological diseases in horses and humans in South Africa [4, 10,11,12,13]
Summary
We report here the complete genome sequence of a lineage 2 West Nile virus (WNV) strain that resulted in fatal neurological disease in a horse in South Africa. Several recent reports exist of neurological disease associated with lineage 2 WNV in humans and horses in South Africa and Europe; there are a lack of sequencing data from recent fatal cases in Southern Africa, where these strains likely originate. 20% of WNV cases exhibit clinical signs; ~90% of these cases may develop neurological disease, with a fatality rate approaching 30% [1].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
