Characterization of echovirus 25 (ECV 25) in the VP1/2A gene junction region. Brief report

Genetic relationships among echovirus type 25 (ECV 25) isolates associated with aseptic meningitis in Germany 1997/98 and a 40-year-old ECV 25 prototype strain were investigated using RT-PCR and direct sequencing the VP1/2A gene junction region. Sequences were compared to each other and to non-polio enterovirus representatives (phylogenetic analysis). The analysis indicated that the sequences of recent isolates have drifted over time distinctly away from the prototype strain sequence. Genetic drift may change biological features of isolates possibly leading to new antigenic variants.