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Genome analysis of adenovirus type 31 strains from immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients
M E Johansson1, M Brown, J C Hierholzer
1Department of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Abstract:
Adenovirus type 31 (Ad31) was isolated from 15 immunocompromised patients in 12 of whom seroconversion was also recorded. Ad31 infection has a substantial clinical relevance since 8 of 10 with lower respiratory tract infection and 4 of 4 with hepatitis died. Therefore, Ad31 isolates from immunocompetent and immunodeficient hosts were compared by restriction endonuclease analysis. Nine genome types were identified among the 79 Ad31 isolates. Pairwise comparison of comigrating restriction fragments indicated that the genome types could be divided into three genomic clusters. Several Ad31 genome types were isolated from immunocompromised patients, but no highly virulent genome type could be found. A genome type was identified in a child with severe combined immunodeficiency who originally was infected with another genome type. This observation is suggested to have evolutionary implications.
Insights
Adenovirus type 31 (Ad31) infections are clinically significant, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Restriction endonuclease analysis revealed nine Ad31 genome types, with implications for viral evolution.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Adenovirus type 31 (Ad31) infections pose significant clinical challenges, especially in immunocompromised patients.
- Ad31 has been linked to severe outcomes, including lower respiratory tract infections and hepatitis, with high mortality rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare Ad31 isolates from immunocompetent and immunodeficient hosts.
- To identify distinct Ad31 genome types and their distribution.
- To investigate potential correlations between Ad31 genome types and clinical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of Ad31 from immunocompromised patients.
- Restriction endonuclease analysis of Ad31 genomes.
- Genomic clustering and pairwise fragment comparison.
Main Results:
- Adenovirus type 31 (Ad31) was isolated from 15 immunocompromised patients, with seroconversion in 12.
- Nine distinct Ad31 genome types were identified among 79 isolates.
- Genome types clustered into three genomic groups; no specific virulent type was identified in immunocompromised hosts.
- A novel Ad31 genome type emerged in a child with severe combined immunodeficiency, suggesting evolutionary dynamics.
Conclusions:
- Ad31 exhibits genetic diversity with implications for host-pathogen interactions.
- The emergence of new Ad31 genome types in immunocompromised individuals warrants further investigation.
- Understanding Ad31 genetic variation is crucial for managing infections in vulnerable populations.