Deep Next-Gen sequencing of Zika virus to identify minor variation in the genome

The aim of this study is to apply next generation sequencing to Zika virus positive samples obtained from serum and viral isolates. Our goal is also to look for the changes introduced in the sequences as a result of passaging the virus in tissue culture as well as understand the genetic diversity of Zika virus across samples. JCVI will generate sequence data for ZIKV strains obtained directly from serum and isolates obtained by passaging ZIKV on a permissive cell line. These data will be useful to understand the biology of the virus and can help to guide rational development of ZIKV vaccines and antivirals.