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Phylogenetic analysis of envelope glycoprotein (E1) gene of rubella viruses prevalent in Japan in 2004
Mika Saitoh1, Naomi Shinkawa, Shinichi Shimada
1Gunma Prefectural Institute of Public Health and Environmental Sciences, Maebashi, Gunma 371-0052, Japan.
Abstract:
We performed a molecular epidemiological study on the envelope glycoprotein gene (E1 gene) obtained by PCR amplification from specimens of 17 rubella patients in certain areas (Gunma, Saitama, and Kagoshima prefectures, and Tokyo metropolitan area) in Japan in 2004. In these sequences of partially amplified DNAs (283 bases) within the E1 gene, no nucleotide substitution was observed. They were classified into genotype 1D of clade 1 in the constructed phylogenetic tree. One amino acid substitution was found between the amino acid sequence predicted from these DNAs and those of Japanese strains [To-336 vaccine strain (To-336 vac) and its wild progenitor (To-336 wt)]. The results suggest that the rubella viruses (RV) prevalent in certain areas of Japan in 2004 were highly homologous and were closely related with Japanese vaccine strain.
Insights
Molecular epidemiology revealed that rubella viruses (RV) circulating in Japan in 2004 were highly homologous. These prevalent rubella virus strains were closely related to the Japanese vaccine strain.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Rubella virus (RV) poses a public health concern.
- Understanding the genetic diversity of circulating RV strains is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular epidemiology of rubella virus in Japan.
- To determine the genetic characteristics and relationships of prevalent RV strains.
Main Methods:
- PCR amplification of the envelope glycoprotein (E1) gene from 17 rubella patient specimens collected in Japan in 2004.
- Phylogenetic analysis of the E1 gene sequences.
Main Results:
- No nucleotide substitutions were observed in the 283-base E1 gene sequences analyzed.
- All analyzed sequences belonged to genotype 1D of clade 1.
- One amino acid substitution was identified compared to Japanese vaccine strains (To-336 vac) and their wild progenitor (To-336 wt).
Conclusions:
- Rubella viruses prevalent in Japan in 2004 exhibited high genetic homology.
- The prevalent RV strains were closely related to the Japanese vaccine strain, suggesting potential links or influence.
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