Typing of Human Cosaviruses by sequencing of full VP1: Update on global genetic diversity and identification of possible new genotypes circulating in Tunisia, North Africa

Abstract Human Cosaviruses (HCoSVs) are relatively newly characterized picornaviruses; they have been described in non-polio acute flaccid paralysis, diarrheal patients, and healthy individuals. Previous studies showed HCoSV circulation in Tunisia and only six genotypes circulating in the country were reported. In the present study, we sequenced 27 complete VP1 genomic region from HCoSV isolates in human feces from healthy individuals and patients with acute flaccid paralysis in Tunisia. Most of the Tunisian sequences belong to species A (78%, 21 out of 27). Three sequences belong to species B, two to species E and one sequence to species D. The Tunisian sequences belonged to genotype A6, A7, A8, A10, A1, A17 and E2. Based on genetic distance criteria for assigning genotypes corresponding to neutralization serotypes in enteroviruses we also identified 4 new HCoSV genotypes named A25, B2, B3 and D6. Our study updates the genetic classification of HCoSVs, proposes new genotypes within species A, B and D and contributes to a better knowledge of the HCoSV circulation throughout the world.