Global distribution and genetic diversity of orthoebolaviruses: Mapping and evolutionary analysis

Abstract

Orthoebolavirus genus (Family: Filoviridae) poses an ongoing threat to both human and animal health. To better understand and address this persistent threat, we conducted a comprehensive analysis. Through a systematic investigation of orthoebolaviruses' global geographic distribution, phylogenetic relationships, and detailed examination of nonsynonymous amino acid mutations in Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV) from both human and non-human primate (NHP) hosts, we have made several key findings. Our results demonstrate that the viruses in the genus Orthoebolavirus primarily circulate in Africa and Asia, with a possible trend of geographic expansion to other regions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed significant evolutionary divergence among the six viral species across different hosts and temporal scales. Most notably, we identified 73 statistically significant amino acid substitution sites (all p < 0.0001) in EBOV from both human and NHP hosts. Collectively, this multifaceted investigation offers valuable insights that will inform future research on orthoebolaviruses' pathogenesis and intervention strategies.