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Genetic drift of parvovirus B19 is found in AIDS patients with persistent B19 infection

Chien-Ching Hung1, Wang-Hwei Sheng, Kuang-Lun Lee

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Disease, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

Journal of Medical Virology
|September 26, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Parvovirus B19 is generally stable, but persistent infections in AIDS patients show genetic changes. Highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) correlates with parvovirus B19 genetic drift.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Parvovirus B19 is typically considered genetically stable, with no prior evidence of genetic drift in persistent infections.
  • Persistent parvovirus B19 infection is a concern in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Observation:

  • This study investigated longitudinal genetic changes in parvovirus B19 NS1 and VP1 genes from three AIDS patients with persistent B19 infection.
  • One patient received no highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART), while two others received HAART, with one experiencing treatment failure and subsequent mega-HAART.
  • B19 viral DNA was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and directly sequenced.

Findings:

  • A single genetic change was observed in the B19 isolate from the untreated patient post-intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment, with subsequent stability over 11 months.
  • Analysis of NS1 clones revealed quasi-species but no genetic drift in the untreated patient.
  • In contrast, multiple genetic changes and confirmed genetic drift were observed in B19 isolates from the two HAART-treated patients, particularly after HAART and mega-HAART interventions.
  • Non-conserved nucleotide substitutions in the VP2 gene of drifting isolates suggest positive selection.

Implications:

  • The findings challenge the notion of parvovirus B19's universal genetic stability, especially in the context of persistent infections and specific therapeutic interventions.
  • Highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) and related treatments may influence the genetic evolution of parvovirus B19 in AIDS patients.
  • Understanding these genetic dynamics is crucial for managing persistent parvovirus B19 infections and developing effective treatment strategies in immunocompromised populations.

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