Sequence and Phylogenetic Analysis of Wild Type Rubella virus isolated in Iran

Background and Aims: Rubella virus is a human pathogen that causes congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) when infection occurs during early pregnancy. Vaccination programs have been remarkably successful in controlling natural rubella infection and CRS. Moreover, ongoing surveillance for all cases of rubella and CRS is a vital component of a prevention program. Although the WHO recommends the use of molecular epidemiology, little is known about circulating strains and genotypes of rubella virus (RUBV) in Iran. This study was designed to analyze the genetic characteristics of the wild type isolated in Iran. Methods: The partial E1 gene was amplified from the isolated Iran MF rubella virus and Takahashi vaccine strain in comparison with 22 reference strains. The sequence of the E1 gene of the rubella virus isolate was compared by phylogenic analysis. Results: Nucleic acid sequencing confirmed the isolated virus was Rubella (96 % identity in 784 bases) the sequence was subsequently submitted and registered to the GenBank with accession number DQ975202. The created phylogenetic tree of rubella virus reference sequences showed that the isolated MF rubella virus was classified into genotype 2B. Conclusion: Based on our data, this is the first report of rubella virus genotyping in Iran. The history of some eradicated viral diseases shows that us how molecular tools are helpful in surveillance. However, more comprehensive molecular epidemiologic studies are required in order to reach Rubella virus elimination goal.