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Relationships between BK virus lineages and human populations
Huai-Ying Zheng1, Yuriko Nishimoto, Qin Chen
1Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan.
Microbes and Infection
|January 9, 2007
Summary
BK polyomavirus (BKV) subtypes show geographical associations, suggesting co-evolution with human populations. This host-linked evolution appears common in polyomaviruses, with unique BKV-human interactions observed.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Human Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- BK polyomavirus (BKV) is a common human virus that persists in the kidneys and can cause nephropathy in transplant recipients.
- BKV is classified into subtypes I-IV, with subtype I further divided into subgroups (Ia, Ib-1, Ib-2, Ic) based on DNA variations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between BK polyomavirus (BKV) lineages and human populations globally.
- To classify BKV isolates worldwide using phylogenetic and single nucleotide polymorphism analyses.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 299 partial BKV DNA sequences from urine samples of immunocompetent individuals across Europe, Africa, and Asia.
- Phylogenetic and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis for BKV isolate classification.
- Validation of classification using complete BKV DNA sequences.
Main Results:
- Subtype I was the predominant BKV subtype globally.
- Subtype IV was primarily found in Asian and European populations.
- Subtype I subgroups exhibited strong correlations with major geographical regions.
Conclusions:
- BK polyomavirus (BKV) evolution is linked to human populations, mirroring patterns seen in JC virus.
- The findings suggest host-linked evolution is a general characteristic of polyomaviruses.
- Unique aspects of the BKV-human relationship were identified.
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