ABSTRACT
The family Arenaviridae contains a number of ssRNA viruses that cause hemorrhagic fever and are classied as NIAID category A priority pathogens and CDC potential biothreat agents. Junín virus is a member of the New World arenavirus group that also includes Amapari, Chapare, Flexal, Guanarito, Latino, Machupo, Oliveos, Paraná, Pichinde, Sabiá, Tacaribe, Tamiami, and Whitewater Arroyo viruses [1-3]. The Old World group includes Ippy, Lassa, Lujo, Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM), Mobala, and Mopeia virus [1]. A deeper analysis of New World arenavirus shows the divergence into four groups: Clade A, Clade B, Clade C, and the recombinant Clade A/Rec (also called A/B). Junín virus is found inside Clade B.
