Detection of Measles Virus Genotypes B3, D4, D5, D8, and H1 in the Surveillance System in Hokkaido, Japan, 2006-2015, the Last Decade toward the Elimination

Genetic characterization of hemagglutinin protein of measles viruses in Hokkaido district, Japan, 2006–2015

“…It is therefore necessary to accumulate molecular information about MeV to enable provision of further preventive measures. Epidemiologic surveillance activity in Hokkaido district (population approximately 5.4 million), in the northern islands of Japan during 2006–2015 has previously been reported by the present team . During this period, the number of individuals with measles decreased from 1462 in 2008 to one in 2015 and five different genotypes of MeV were detected among epidemic, endemic, imported and import–associated cases .…”

“…The results of phylogenetic analyses of MeV‐N and MeV‐H genes are shown in Figures and , respectively. During 2006–2015, genotypes D5, H1, D4, D8, B3 and further D8 strains of MeV were detected in that chronological order in the Hokkaido district of Japan . All MeV‐H genes of strains detected in Hokkaido consisted of 1854 nucleotides and their genotypes corresponded to those of the corresponding MeV‐N genes.…”

“…Epidemiologic surveillance activity in Hokkaido district (population approximately 5.4 million), in the northern islands of Japan during 2006–2015 has previously been reported by the present team . During this period, the number of individuals with measles decreased from 1462 in 2008 to one in 2015 and five different genotypes of MeV were detected among epidemic, endemic, imported and import–associated cases . In this study, we provide the complete nucleotide sequences coding for MeV‐H, which is a major target for neutralizing antibodies.…”

“…K387R mutation was found in the genotype D8 strains in 2011; however, this mutation would be tolerated for antibody responses . P397L mutation has been found in the genotype H1 strain that originated in China . Tahara et al .…”

“…From January 2006 to December 2015, 2362 individuals with suspected measles were reported in Hokkaido. Laboratory testing of clinical specimens from these individuals confirmed measles in 448 of them . Genotyping of MeV was also performed by using the nucleotide sequence of 450 bases encoding the C‐terminal of MeV‐N, as previously described .…”