ANALYSIS OF SPECIATION MECHANISMS IN RNA VIRUSES

Parasites have high socio-economic impact due to their negative effect on humans, animals and plants welfare. Parasite evolution may lead to emergence of new infectious diseases, and compromise existing disease control strategies. Viruses are one of the most important groups of parasites causing a large fraction of emerging diseases. Adaptation to new environments may lead to population diversification, including speciation events resulting in the appearance of new viruses.