Phylogenetic analysis suggests only one serotype of Japanese encephalitis virus

Phylogenetic analysis was performed for different genome regions of Japanes e encephalitis virus (JEV). Similar genetic groupings were identified for a ll analyzed genome regions including complete genomes. More extensive analy sis was performed for 92 isolates (complete envelope sequences) available i n the GenBank. Results of phylogenetic analysis were compared with those pe rformed for human positive strand RNA viruses with well characterized serot ypes - poliovirus (PV) and dengue virus (DEN). The observed level of the JE V inter-genotype diversity was much less than that observed across PV and D EN serotypes and was consistent with the genetic diversity observed within PV or DEN serotypes. This genetic analysis supports the contention that all known JEV isolates comprise a single serotype. Published by Elsevier Scien ce Ltd.