Human Metapneumovirus Genetic Variability, South Africa

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.

Genotype variability of human metapneumovirus, South Korea

“…Virol. DOI 10.1002/jmv four subtypes of hMPV co-circulated each year in an Italian study and an Australian study [Gerna et al, 2005;MacKay et al, 2006], Ludewick et al [2005] reported that a maximum three subtypes circulated in any 1-year, which is consistent with those of this study. In the present study, the existence of three subgroups except A1 was confirmed and two sublineages of A2 (A2a and A2b) were identified, as previously described [Huck et al, 2006].…”

“…The genetic diversity by strains has allowed two major groups or genotypes of hMPV (genotype A and genotype B) and recently the existence of multiple lineages has been suggested [Biacchesi et al, 2003;Boivin et al, 2004;Skiadopoulos et al, 2004;van den Hoogen et al, 2004;Huck et al, 2006]. Both genotypes are known to be prevalent throughout the world and circulate in a single season with the switching of predominant group in successive seasons [Gerna et al, 2005;Ludewick et al, 2005;Agapov et al, 2006;MacKay et al, 2006]. In 2004, the investigation on the prevalence and sequence of hMPV in nasopharyngeal specimens in children <16 years of age hospitalized with acute respiratory tract infection at Sanggyepaik Hospital, was started [Chung et al, 2006].…”

Role of human metapneumovirus, human coronavirus NL63 and human bocavirus in infants and young children with acute wheezing

“…In 2001 only A1 was detected; in 2002 and 2003 A1 and B2 were found; 2004 the predominant sublineage was B1 and to a lesser extent B2 while in 2005 sublineage A1, A2, A3, and B1 were detected [Smuts et al, 2004 and unpublished data]. A study undertaken in Johannesburg, South Africa from 2000 to 2002 showed similar but slightly different circulation patterns [Ludewick et al, 2005]. This complex pattern of co-circulation may be related to pre-existing immunity in the general population to one or more sublineages allowing the emergence of a different sublineage with a changed antigenic profile.…”

Efficient isolation of human metapneumovirus using MNT‐1, a human malignant melanoma cell line with early and distinct cytopathic effects

“…HMPV has been reported to cause epidemics mainly during the winter and spring months in temperate climates (2, 3, 7, 13-19); however, infections have been reported throughout the year (16,17,20). Furthermore, co-circulation of HMPV subgroups has been reported in certain areas (7,(51)(52)(53)(54). With our new isolation system using MNT-1, we were able to isolate HMPV in spring and early summer of 2014 and from winter to spring of 2015 and 2016, and to detect co-circulation of two sublineages in 2014 and three in 2016 ( Fig.…”