Rapid spread of the emerging cosmopolitan genotype of dengue virus serotype 2, and expansion of dengue virus serotype 1 genotype V in Peru.

BACKGROUND

Motivation for the study. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence and distribution of the V genotypes of dengue virus type 1 (DENV-1) and the cosmopolitan genotype DENV-2 in Peru, in order to understand their expansion in different regions; since these viruses can cause important outbreaks in the country. Main findings. A rapid spread and wide distribution of the cosmopolitan DENV-2 genotype was reported in Peru in 2022, following its initial introduction in 2019. DENV-1 genotype V, present in Peru since the 1990s, has now expanded to new Peruvian regions, after previously being restricted to rural and jungle areas in the north of the country. Implications. The results highlight the urgent need to strengthen epidemiological and genomic surveillance systems to monitor and control the spread of these genotypes in Peru, allowing a more rapid response and controlling their potential spread to other regions of the Americas.

OBJECTIVES.: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and distribution of dengue virus genotype V serotype 1 (DENV-1) and cosmopolitan genotype serotype 2 (DENV-2) in Peru between 2019 and 2022.

MATERIALS AND METHODS.: The envelope (E) gene region was amplified from 79 serum samples by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced by next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. The obtained sequences were subsequently analyzed with bioinformatics tools.

RESULTS.: The study generated envelope gene sequences of DENV-1 and DENV-2 serotypes. Our study revealed a rapid dispersal and wide distribution of the cosmopolitan DENV-2 genotype in several regions of Peru in 2022, as well as the spread of DENV-1 genotype V to new Peruvian regions, along with the cosmopolitan DENV-2 genotype.

CONCLUSIONS.: Our findings suggest the urgent need to strengthen epidemiological and genomic surveillance systems to understand and control the spread of circulating DENV genotypes in Peru. This will allow a more rapid response, as well as the monitoring of its potential dissemination to other countries in the Americas.