Human metapneumovirus genetic variability, South Africa

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Herbert P. Ludewick, University of the Witwatersrand; Yacine Abed, Laval University; Nadia van Niekerk, University of the Witwatersrand; Guy Boivin, Laval University; Keith Klugman, Emory University; Shabir A. Madhi, University of the Witwatersrand
• Language: English
• Date: 2005-07-01
• Publisher: CENTERS DISEASE CONTROL
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: 2005 CDC
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.3201/eid1107.050050
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
• Volume: 11
• Issue: 7
• Start Page: 1074
• End Page: 1078
• Keywords: COMMUNITY; SEQUENCE; Science & Technology; NORTH-AMERICA; SYNCYTIAL VIRUS; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; RESPIRATORY-TRACT INFECTIONS; G-GLYCOPROTEIN; CHILDREN; CIRCULATION PATTERNS; Infectious Diseases; Immunology; GROUP-A; P-GENE
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Immunology; Biology, Virology; Biology, Genetics

Abstract

The molecular epidemiology and genetic diversity of the human metapneumovirus (hMPV) were characterized for a 3-year period (2000-2002) from viruses that were identified in South Africa. Two major genetic groups (A and B) and 2 subgroups (1 and 2) of hMPV were identified, as well as 2-6 possible genotypes within the subgroups. A shift in the predominant group was documented in successive seasons. Whereas the F gene was relatively conserved between subgroups, a high degree of variation was observed in the extracellular domain of the G gene of the virus. The G protein identities between groups A and B were 45.1%-53.1% at the nucleotide level and 22.4%-27.6% at the amino acid level. These results provide evidence for the diversity of both surface glycoproteins of hMPV in Africa, which may be a prerequisite to understanding protective immunity against hMPV.