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Molecular analysis of echovirus 13 isolates and aseptic meningitis, Spain
Ana Avellón1, Inmaculada Casas, Gloria Trallero
1Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain. aavellon@isciii.es
Abstract:
Echovirus 13 (EV13), considered rare, was reported worldwide in 2000, mostly related to aseptic meningitis outbreaks. In Spain, 135 EV13 isolates were identified. The genetic relationships between 64 representative strains from Spain and other reported isolates from the United States, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Sweden were described by analyzing the partial sequence of the major capsid protein (VP1) gene. The strains from Spain were clearly identified as EV13 (79.5% similarity with the EV13 reference strain) and were grouped phylogenetically into two different clusters (by origination on either the Iberian Peninsula or Canary Islands). Isolates from Germany from 2000 clustered with the Canary Islands group. The isolates from other countries obtained before 2000 were genetically distant. Changes in EV13 coding sequence involved several differences in the C-terminal extreme of the VP1 protein. Part of the neutralizing antigenic site III has been described in this genome region in poliovirus and swine vesicular disease virus.
Insights
Echovirus 13 (EV13) outbreaks in 2000 revealed distinct Spanish strains, genetically linked to German isolates. Phylogenetic analysis of the VP1 gene identified two Spanish EV13 clusters.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Echovirus 13 (EV13), previously considered rare, emerged globally in 2000, primarily causing aseptic meningitis.
- Significant EV13 activity was noted in Spain, with 135 isolates identified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To genetically characterize Spanish Echovirus 13 strains.
- To investigate the phylogenetic relationships between Spanish EV13 isolates and those reported internationally.
Main Methods:
- Partial sequencing of the viral protein 1 (VP1) gene from 64 representative Spanish EV13 strains.
- Phylogenetic analysis to compare Spanish isolates with international strains from the US, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Sweden.
Main Results:
- Spanish EV13 strains showed 79.5% similarity to the reference strain and clustered phylogenetically into two distinct groups based on geographic origin (Iberian Peninsula vs. Canary Islands).
- German isolates from 2000 clustered with the Canary Islands group, while earlier isolates from other countries were genetically distant.
- Sequence analysis revealed changes in the C-terminal region of the VP1 protein, a site known to contain neutralizing antigenic sites in related viruses.
Conclusions:
- The study identified distinct genetic lineages of Echovirus 13 circulating in Spain.
- Phylogenetic analysis highlighted potential geographic clustering and transmission links, particularly between Spain (Canary Islands) and Germany.
- Observed sequence variations in the VP1 gene may influence viral evolution and antigenic properties.