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Molecular epidemiology and phylogenetic analysis of Sapporo-like viruses
M Okada1, K Shinozaki, T Ogawa
1Division of Virology, Public Health Institute of Chiba Prefecture, Japan.
Abstract:
Sapporo-like viruses (SLV) are a causative agent of gastroenteritis in humans. SLV-specific primers were newly designed in capsid protein-coding region and 529 fecal samples collected from gastroenteritis patients were tested. Thirty-five samples (6.6%) were found to be positive by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Out of 35 positive samples, 25 were classified into a genogroup SG-I, typified by the Sapporo virus, and 9 were classified as a genogroup SG-II, typified by the London virus. Interestingly, one sample could not be classified into any genogroup, which suggests that it may be part of a new SLV genogroup. The RT-PCR used in this study appeared to be capable of widely detecting SLV genogroups, and it was seen to be powerful enough for molecular epidemiological as well as phylogenetic studies on SLV.
Insights
Sapporo-like viruses (SLV) cause human gastroenteritis. A new RT-PCR method detected SLV in 6.6% of samples, identifying known genogroups and potentially a new one, aiding molecular epidemiology.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Sapporo-like viruses (SLV) are significant causes of human gastroenteritis.
- Accurate detection and classification of SLV are crucial for understanding disease outbreaks and transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay for detecting Sapporo-like viruses.
- To investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of SLV in fecal samples from gastroenteritis patients.
Main Methods:
- Design of SLV-specific primers targeting the capsid protein-coding region.
- Analysis of 529 fecal samples using the newly developed RT-PCR assay.
- Genotyping of positive samples into established SLV genogroups (SG-I and SG-II).
Main Results:
- Thirty-five out of 529 fecal samples (6.6%) tested positive for SLV.
- Genotyping revealed 25 samples belonged to genogroup SG-I (Sapporo virus type) and 9 to genogroup SG-II (London virus type).
- One unclassified sample suggests the potential existence of a new SLV genogroup.
Conclusions:
- The developed RT-PCR method is effective for broad detection of SLV genogroups.
- This assay is a valuable tool for molecular epidemiological and phylogenetic studies of SLV.
- The findings highlight the ongoing circulation of SLV and the potential for novel genogroups.