Genetic and Epidemiological Studies of Dengue Type 2 Viruses by Hybridization Using Synthetic Deoxyoligonucleotides as Probes

Division of Vector-Borne Viral Diseases, Centers for Disease Control, Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, P.O. Box 2087, Fort Collins, Colorado 80522, U.S.A. A rapid nucleic acid hybridization procedure was developed for examining the genotypic variation of dengue type 2 viruses (DEN 2) having distinct RNase T1 fingerprints and isolated from different geographical areas. Synthetic DNA hybridization probes were constructed complementary in nucleotide sequence to common and unique RNase T1 oligonucleotides of topotype viruses from Puerto Rico/South Pacific, Jamaica, the Seychelles, Thailand/Burma and Africa. Hybridization probes with both type- and topotype-specific reactivities were observed, as were probes specific for two or more of the DEN 2 topotypes. These results confirm geographical movement of topotype virus strains and suggest possible origins. Detection of DEN 2 RNA by hybridization is a rapid and reproducible method that can be modified and applied as a viable alternative to the laborious T1 oligonucleotide fingerprinting. Keywords: dengue type 2 virus, hybridization, genotypic variation Present address: Molecular Biosystems Inc., 11180A Roselle Street, San Diego, California 92121, U.S.A. Received 10 June 1986; accepted 7 August 1986.