Molecular characterization and geographical distribution of Zika virus worldwide from 1947 to 2022.

Objectives: We conducted molecular characterization, demonstrated the geographical distribution of Zika virus (ZIKV) circulating worldwide from 1947 to 2022 and explored the potential genetic recombination site in the Thailand ZIKV genomes.

Methods: We constructed phylogenetic trees based on ZIKV coding sequences (CDS) and determined the geographical distribution of the representative viruses by genetic relationship and timeline. We determined genetic recombination among ZIKV and between ZIKV and other flaviviruses using similarity plot and bootscan analyzes, together with the phylogeny encompassing the CDS and eight subgenomic regions.

Zika virus isolation, propagation, and quantification using multiple methods.

Zika virus (ZIKV) was isolated from the archival urine, serum, and autopsy specimens by intrathoracic inoculation of Toxorhynchitis splendens and followed by three blind sub-passaging in C6/36 mosquito cells. The virus isolates were identified using an immunofluorescence assay and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR). This study analyzed 11 ZIKV isolates.