Detection of shared genes among Asian and European waterfowl reoviruses in the whole genome constellations

In order to explore the genetic relatedness and evolution of 'classical' and 'novel' waterfowl origin reoviruses (WRV) isolated in different years and continents, and filling up our lacking knowledge about the European WRV strains, the complete genomic sequence of two French isolates causing the 'classical' type of reovirus infection of Muscovy ducks had been determined. Based on the genome organization and the encoded proteins the two isolates could be referred as classical type strains. Sequence comparison showed that the two strains were most closely related to each other and belong to the same monophyletic group of European and Asian WRV strains. Phylogeny of the appropriate segments revealed potential reassortment events between waterfowl and chicken origin, and 'classical' and 'novel' and European and Chinese WRV strains. Our results point out a complex way of viral evolution regarding the origin and biological properties of the WRVs.