Recombination events and variability among full-length genomes of co-circulating molluscum contagiosum virus subtypes 1 and 2

J Gen Virol. 2017 May;98(5):1073-1079. doi: 10.1099/jgv.0.000759. Epub 2017 May 30.

Abstract

Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) is the sole member of the Molluscipoxvirus genus and causes a highly prevalent human disease of the skin characterized by the formation of a variable number of lesions that can persist for prolonged periods of time. Two major genotypes, subtype 1 and subtype 2, are recognized, although currently only a single complete genomic sequence corresponding to MCV subtype 1 is available. Using next-generation sequencing techniques, we report the complete genomic sequence of four new MCV isolates, including the first one derived from a subtype 2. Comparisons suggest a relatively distant evolutionary split between both MCV subtypes. Further, our data illustrate concurrent circulation of distinct viruses within a population and reveal the existence of recombination events among them. These results help identify a set of MCV genes with potentially relevant roles in molluscum contagiosum epidemiology and pathogenesis.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Genome, Viral*
  • Healthy Volunteers
  • High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
  • Humans
  • Molluscum contagiosum virus / classification*
  • Molluscum contagiosum virus / genetics*
  • Molluscum contagiosum virus / growth & development
  • Molluscum contagiosum virus / isolation & purification
  • Phylogeny
  • Recombination, Genetic*
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Sequence Homology