Abstract
ObjectivesThe genotypic analysis of human metapneumo-(HMPV) and boca-(HBoV) viruses circulating in Greece and their comparison to reference and other clinical strains.DesignGenetic analysis of representative strains over three consecutive winter seasons of the years 2005–2008.SettingRepresentative positive specimens for HMPV and HBoV from paediatric patients of healthcare units and hospitals in Southern Greece with influenza-like illness or other respiratory tract infections.SampleSeven to ten positive specimens for either HMPV or HBoV from each winter period. In total, 24 specimens positive for HMPV and 26 for HBoV, respectively.Main outcome measuresSequence diversity of HMPV and HBoV strains by sequencing the complete G and VP1/VP2 genes, respectively.ResultsIn total, 24 HMPV strains were found to have a 92–100% nucleotide and a 85.9–100% amino acid identity. Phylogenetic analysis based on the number of amino acid differences, revealed circulation of 4 different subclusters belonging to genetic lineage B2. Similarly, analysis of 26 HBoV strains indicated that 22 clustered within genotype St2, 2 into genotype St1 and the remaining 2 formed a third cluster derived from potential recombination between different St1 genotype strains. St2 HBoV genotype was observed throughout the whole observation period whereas St1 only during the second and the third winter period. Higher levels of heterogeneity were observed between HMPV compared to HBoV strains.ConclusionsPhylogenetic analysis revealed circulation of one single lineage (B2) for HMPV viruses and predominance of St2 genotype for HBoV viruses. A possible recombination between St1 genotype strains of HBoV was observed.
Highlights
Discovered viruses, such as human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and human bocavirus (HBoV) are important pathogens causing respiratory tract infection (RTI) in susceptible populations, in children and the elderly.[1,2,3,4]HMPV is a negative single stranded RNA virus belonging to the family of Paramyxoviridae, which was first isolated in 20015 from nasopharyngeal aspirates
It is responsible for about 5–15% of the worldwide respiratory tract infections, affecting both young children and adults, causing symptoms ranging from mild disease of the upper respiratory tract system to severe bronchiolitis and pneumonia.[2]
Using molecular methods for identification, we recently reported the incidence of 13 respiratory pathogens, including HMPV and HBoV, in children presenting with influenza-like illness (ILI).[11]
Summary
Discovered viruses, such as human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and human bocavirus (HBoV) are important pathogens causing respiratory tract infection (RTI) in susceptible populations, in children and the elderly.[1,2,3,4]. HMPV is a negative single stranded RNA virus belonging to the family of Paramyxoviridae, which was first isolated in 20015 from nasopharyngeal aspirates. It is responsible for about 5–15% of the worldwide respiratory tract infections, affecting both young children and adults, causing symptoms ranging from mild disease of the upper respiratory tract system to severe bronchiolitis and pneumonia.[2] In infants, HMPV incidence is even higher, reaching 25%.6. The existence of two further sublineages, A2a and A2b, has further been suggested.[7]
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