Utilization of microsatellite polymorphism for differentiating herpes simplex virus type 1 strains

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Genetics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) genome contains microsatellites, which are short tandem repeats.
• Microsatellite variability suggests potential as molecular markers for HSV-1 strain differentiation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and characterize microsatellites within the HSV-1 genome.
• To develop a method for rapid and accurate genetic characterization of HSV-1 strains using microsatellites.

Main Methods:

• In silico analysis of the complete HSV-1 genome to identify microsatellites.
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and length polymorphism analysis of 12 distinct HSV-1 strains.
• Development of a multiplex PCR assay targeting polymorphic microsatellites.

Main Results:

• Identified 79 microsatellites in the HSV-1 genome, with 45 in noncoding regions and 34 in open reading frames.
• Discovered 23 polymorphic and 6 monomorphic microsatellites among 12 HSV-1 strains.
• Developed a stable multiplex PCR method for rapid HSV-1 strain genotyping, revealing unique microsatellite haplotypes.

Conclusions:

• Microsatellites are valuable, stable genetic markers for differentiating HSV-1 strains.
• The developed multiplex PCR tool facilitates accurate genetic characterization and investigation of HSV-1 infections, including recurrent and nosocomial cases.