Molecular epidemiology of coxsackievirus A16 strains from four sentinel surveillance sites in Peru.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the molecular epidemiology of seven coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16) strains previously reported by this research group. METHODS: Full-length VP1 and VP4 sequences were obtained and phylogenetic analyses were performed. RESULTS: Six strains were classified as genotype C. Moreover, one divergent strain not clustered in any of the three currently reported genotypes was found. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of CVA16 in Peru and provides valuable baseline data about its potential distribution in South America, as well as evidence of a potential divergent genotype that has never before been reported.