The phylogenetic and evolutionary history of Kokobera virus

ABSTRACT

Objective To estimate the genetic diversity of Kokobera virus, the date of origin and the spread among different viruses in the endemic regions of Australia. Methods Two datasets were built. The first consisting of 29 sequences of the NS5/3′ UTR region of Kokobera group downloaded from GenBank, the second including only 24 sequences of Kokobera viruses, focus is on this group. Results Bayesian time analysis revealed two different entries in Australia of Kokobera virus in the 50s years with the dated ancestor in 1861 year. Clades A and B showed a clear separation of the Kokobera sequences according to the geographic region. Conclusions Data from the study showed as Kokobera virus, despite of its ancient origin and its circulation before the European colonization, remained limited to the Australian country and nowadays limited mostly to the regions were Australian marsupials are mostly found.