Objectives: To determine the molecular epidemiology of seven coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16) strains previously reported by this research group.
Methods: Full-length VP1 and VP4 sequences were obtained and phylogenetic analyses were performed.
Results: Six strains were classified as genotype C. Moreover, one divergent strain not clustered in any of the three currently reported genotypes was found.
Conclusion: This is the first report of CVA16 in Peru and provides valuable baseline data about its potential distribution in South America, as well as evidence of a potential divergent genotype that has never before been reported.
Keywords: Coxsackievirus A16; Enterovirus; Peru.
Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.