Yersinia Species Isolated from Bats, Germany

2008 showed 6 aa substitutions in the envelope gene: V129I, L131Q, I170T, E203D, M340T, and I380V. Our results support the notion that aa positions at 129 and 131 in the envelope gene are critical genetic markers for phylogenetic classifi cation of DENV-2 (7–9). Notably, residue 131 in the envelope gene is located within a pH-dependent hinge region at the interface between domains I and II of the envelope protein. Mutations at this region may affect the pH threshold of fusion and the process of conformational changes (10). Our results suggest the circulation of genetically different DENV-2 in Brazil and that these viruses may have a role in severity of dengue diseases. These fi ndings can help to further understand the complex dynamic pathogenic profi le of dengue viruses and their circulation in dengue-endemic regions.