Analysis on genetic characteristics of cardioviruses carried by rodents in Zhejiang

Objective To identify whether the cardioviruses were carried by rodents in Zhejiang province and analyze their phylogenetic relationships. Methods RT-PCR was used to screen the cardioviruses, and then the whole genome sequences were amplified. The animo acid sequences of polyprotein, P1 and 2C+3CD from cardioviruses were aligned with those from other strains in genus Cardiovirus with software Lasergene. The characteristics of nucleotide and animo acid sequences were analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis was performed by using PhyML software. Results Cardioviruses were carried by rodents. The animo acid sequences of polyprotein, P1, 2C+3CD of Ruian-Rn93-1, Longquan-Aa3-1, Ruian-Rn93-3 shared 71.9%-85.4%, 65.2%-89.8%, 78.3%-95.4% homology with other strains of Cardiovirus B, Wencheng-Rn416 shared 92.5%, 85.3% and 96.9% homology with Boone cardiovirus for polyprotein, P1 and 2C+3CD. So, the former three strains belonged to Cardiovirus B and the latter strain belonged to Cardiovirus C. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that Ruian-Rn93-1, Longquan-Aa3-1, Ruian-Rn93-3 had the closest relationship with Cardiovirus B and Wencheng-Rn416 had the closest relationship with Boone Cardiovirus. Phylogenetic analysis also suggested rodent played an important role in the process of origin and evolution of genus Cardiovirus. The cardioviruses carried by animals may infect human. Conclusion Cardioviruses were carried by rodents in Zhejiang, and human may be infected with the viruses.