Grouping and evolution characteristics of rabies virus in China

Objective To fully understand the grouping and evolution characteristics of rabies virus in China. Methods The phylogenetic analysis of rabies virus in China was conducted by using G gene complete sequences of China rabies street strains with clear background information obtained from GenBank and the G gene sequences of China rabies circulating strains collected by our laboratory with BEAST software. Results The analysis indicated that China rabies street strains can be classified as 6 groups:Group China Ⅰ is predominant, accounting for 80%, and circulates in 19 provinces. Group China Ⅱ, including 49 strains, circulates in 7 provinces. Group China Ⅲ, China Ⅳ, China Ⅴ and China Ⅵ include a few strains and circulate in limited areas. It is estimated that TMRCA, the common ancestor of China rabies circulating strains, was detected about 392 years ago. Conclusion Rabies virus group China Ⅰ is predominant in China, but the prevention and control of rabies caused by China Ⅱ and China Ⅵ viruses, related with wild animal rabies, should not be neglected.