Phylogenetic analysis of rubella viruses isolated in 2008 outbreak in Argentina

Background A rubella outbreak was recorded in Buenos Aires during 2008. Objectives The objective of this communication is to present the genetic and phylogenetic analyses of wild-type RUBV circulating in Buenos Aires during the 2008 outbreak. Study design Throat swab samples collected from patients diagnosed with rubella between June 2008 and December 2008 were inoculated in cell culture and 23 isolates were sequenced. Results Phylogenetic analysis of the WHO-recommended window (nt 8731–9469) of the E1 envelope glycoprotein was performed and all isolates clustered with the 2B genotype. Conclusions Genotype 2B seems to be endemically circulating in the Southern cone of Latin America, thus causing recent outbreaks.