Use of the P gene to genotype human metapneumovirus identifies 4 viral subtypes
Ian M Mackay1, Seweryn Bialasiewicz, Zubair Waliuzzaman
1Clinical Virology and Molecular Microbiology Research Units, Sir Albert Sakzewski Virus Research Centre, Royal Children's Hospital and University of Queensland, Herston Road, Herston, Queensland 4029, Australia. ian.mackay@uq.edu.au
Abstract:
This study, conducted during 2001-2003, undertook the screening of patients with acute infectious respiratory-tract disease. A random selection of positive specimens was used for sequencing studies of the human metapneumovirus (hMPV) nucleoprotein gene and the phosphoprotein (P) gene. Australian and international sequences were compared, and a global classification scheme was developed. The hMPV P gene was an ideal molecular target for the detection and genotyping of hMPV. The region contained conserved sequences for reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain-reaction primers and adequate variability to permit the accurate genotyping of the virus into 2 main lineages and 4 sublineages. Establishing viral identity is essential for the linking of genotype and disease severity.
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