Conservation of matrix protein genes in rabies viruses circulating in South Korea since 1999

ABSTRACT

Rabies virus (RABV) causes a neurological disease in warm-blooded animals that is nearly always fatal. In this study, we analyzed the matrix (M) genes in 10 Korean street RABV strains isolated from two Provinces during 2011–2013. The M genes in these 10 Korean strains were highly conserved during 1999–2013. Phylogenetic analysis revealed they were closely related to the M genes of RABVs isolated in northeastern China. Specific amino acid substitutions were identified in the KRVB1206, KRVF1301, and BV9901PJ strains. However, functional domains, including those involved in virus production and pathogenicity, were conserved in all 10 strains.