Molecular diagnosis of human adenoviruses d and e by a phylogeny-based classification method using a partial hexon...

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) cause numerous acute illnesses.
• Traditional virus identification methods (isolation, neutralization) are slow, labor-intensive, and require scarce antisera.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a rapid, reliable method for HAdV identification using PCR and phylogenetic analysis.
• To assess the utility of partial hexon gene sequences for HAdV classification and serotyping.

Main Methods:

• Sequencing of the partial hexon gene from 33 HAdV-D and -E prototypes, plus 11 existing prototypes (HAdV-A to -C, -F).
• Phylogenetic analysis using neighbor-joining method on combined sequence data.
• Analysis of 57 clinical isolates from conjunctivitis patients and 44 prototype strains.

Main Results:

• Phylogenetic analysis of hexon sequences grouped HAdVs into six distinct clusters, aligning with newly designated species (HAdV-A to -F).
• Each clinical isolate clustered with its corresponding prototype strain, enabling accurate serotype identification.
• The method demonstrated effectiveness in classifying HAdV prototypes and clinical isolates.

Conclusions:

• Partial hexon gene sequencing coupled with phylogenetic analysis provides a rapid and reliable method for HAdV identification and serotyping.
• This approach is effective for molecular epidemiology studies of HAdVs.
• The findings support the use of this method as an alternative to traditional, time-consuming diagnostic techniques.