Molecular evolution of H3N8 equine influenza virus in Argentina

Abstract

The aim of this work was to study the molecular characteristics of H3N8 EIV detected in Argentina, estimate their diversification and infer the potential source of infections. Nucleotide and deduced amino acid (aa) sequences for the complete HA gene of the EIV detected in Argentina between 1985 and 2012 were analyzed along with sequences obtained from the Influenza Research database. Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian phylogenetic trees were built up. Bayesian coalescent analyses were carried out to estimate the time of the most recent common ancestors (tMRCA) and the dynamic population growth