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Isolation of cytopathic small round viruses with BS-C-1 cells from patients with gastroenteritis
T Yamashita1, S Kobayashi, K Sakae
1Department of Virology, Aichi Prefectural Institute of Public Health, Nagoya, Japan.
Abstract:
Fecal extracts from 12 subjects in outbreaks of oyster-associated nonbacterial gastroenteritis were inoculated with BS-C-1 cells for isolation of the causative viruses. Cytopathic agents were isolated from 3 patients. No cross-neutralizing reactions were observed between the isolates and prototypes of human enteroviruses. The isolates were approximately 30 nm in diameter and had a distinct ultrastructure resembling that of astroviruses. Four polypeptide bands with molecular sizes of 42, 28, 27, and 22 kDa were seen on SDS-PAGE analyses. Seroconversion against the isolate was observed in 18 (31.6%) of 57 patients involved in five of seven outbreaks examined by neutralization test. A protein band characteristically reactive with the paired serum samples was detectable at 42 kDa by immunoblot assay. These results suggested that some small round viruses resembling astroviruses might show cytopathic effect in BS-C-1 cells and may be associated with an oyster-related gastroenteritis.
Insights
Researchers identified small, round viruses similar to astroviruses in patients with oyster-associated gastroenteritis. These viruses caused cytopathic effects in cell cultures, suggesting a link to the outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Gastroenterology
- Foodborne Illness
Background:
- Nonbacterial gastroenteritis outbreaks have been linked to oyster consumption.
- The causative agents of some gastroenteritis outbreaks remain unidentified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize viruses from patients experiencing oyster-associated nonbacterial gastroenteritis.
- To investigate the potential role of these viruses in human illness.
Main Methods:
- Fecal extracts were inoculated into BS-C-1 cells for virus isolation.
- Isolated agents were analyzed using electron microscopy, SDS-PAGE, neutralization tests, and immunoblot assays.
- Serological analysis was performed on patient serum samples.
Main Results:
- Cytopathic agents were isolated from 3 of 12 patients.
- The isolates were approximately 30 nm in diameter, resembling astroviruses.
- Seroconversion was detected in 31.6% of patients, with a 42 kDa protein band reactive to paired sera.
Conclusions:
- Small, round viruses resembling astroviruses can exhibit cytopathic effects in BS-C-1 cells.
- These astrovirus-like viruses are potentially associated with oyster-related gastroenteritis outbreaks.