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Human cytomegalovirus genetic variability in strains isolated from Japanese children during 1983-2003

Kaori Tanaka1, Kei Numazaki, Hiroyuki Tsutsumi

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.

Journal of Medical Virology
|May 20, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Investigating human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) genetic variability in Japanese children revealed distinct UL144 clades in congenital infections. Studying multiple genes is crucial for understanding HCMV epidemiology and developing vaccines.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Epidemiology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a common pathogen with significant genetic diversity.
  • Understanding HCMV genetic variability is essential for tracking its spread and developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genetic variability of HCMV clinical isolates in Japanese infants and children.
  • To correlate genetic variations with clinical manifestations.
  • To assess the utility of studying single genes for HCMV molecular epidemiology.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of the hypervariable regions (a sequence, UL144) and glycoprotein B (gB) gene of 74 HCMV clinical isolates using PCR.
  • Construction of unrooted phylogenetic trees to group isolates.
  • Comparison of genetic clades/genotypes with clinical outcomes.

Main Results:

  • HCMV isolates were grouped into 5 clades based on the a sequence and 3 clades based on the UL144 region.
  • Three genotypes of HCMV glycoprotein B were identified.
  • No correlation was found between specific genotypes/clades and clinical forms, except for congenital infections clustering within UL144 clades.
  • Variability in the studied genes was not correlated with each other.

Conclusions:

  • Studying a single HCMV gene is insufficient for comprehensive molecular epidemiology.
  • Congenital HCMV infections show specific UL144 clade associations.
  • This study provides foundational data on HCMV genetic diversity in an Asian population, aiding vaccine strain selection.

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