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Serologic evidence of frequent human infection with WU and KI polyomaviruses

Nang L Nguyen1, Binh Minh Le, David Wang

  • 1Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.

Emerging Infectious Diseases
|September 16, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Novel human polyomaviruses, WU polyomavirus (WUPyV) and KI polyomavirus (KIPyV), cause widespread infections. Antibody levels indicate infection is common across all age groups, demonstrating broad population exposure.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • WU polyomavirus (WUPyV) and KI polyomavirus (KIPyV) are newly identified human polyomaviruses.
  • Initial identification was in respiratory secretions, but their epidemiological extent remains unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the seroepidemiology of WUPyV and KIPyV infections.
  • To assess the prevalence of antibodies against these novel polyomaviruses in the human population.

Main Methods:

  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to screen 419 serum samples.
  • Samples were collected from patients at St. Louis Children's Hospital and Barnes-Jewish Hospital (2007-2008).
  • Age-stratified, deidentified samples were tested for antibodies to WUPyV and KIPyV major capsid proteins.

Main Results:

  • Seropositivity rates for WUPyV and KIPyV were comparable.
  • Antibody levels were highest in infants under 6 months, decreased between 6-12 months, then steadily increased with age.
  • Prevalence reached approximately 80% for WUPyV and 70% for KIPyV in older age groups.

Conclusions:

  • Both KIPyV and WUPyV cause widespread infections in the human population.
  • The study demonstrates significant seroprevalence across diverse age groups, indicating common exposure.

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