The complete sequence and genome organization of ligustrum virus A, a novel carlavirus

The complete genome sequence of ligustrum virus A (LVA) from a Ligustrum obtusifolium Sieb. & Zucc. plant was determined. The genomic RNA has 8,525 nucleotides, excluding the poly(A) tail, and consists of six open reading frames typical of members of the genus Carlavirus , family Betaflexiviridae . Phylogenetic analysis of the viral replicase and coat protein (CP) indicated that LVA is closely related to daphne virus S and helenium virus. The replicase and CP of LVA shared 44.73–52.35 % and 25.39–62.46 % amino acid identity, respectively, with those of other carlaviruses. These results suggest that LVA is a member of a distinct carlavirus species.