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13:45

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Computational analysis and identification of an emergent human adenovirus pathogen implicated in a respiratory

Christopher M Robinson1, Gurdeep Singh, Cécile Henquell

  • 1Howe Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.

Virology
|November 9, 2010
PubMed

Insights

A novel human adenovirus (HAdV-D56) caused a rare fatal neonatal infection and keratoconjunctivitis in healthcare workers. Genomic analysis revealed extensive recombination, suggesting HAdV-D56 is a new adenovirus type.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Genomics
  • Bioinformatics

Background:

  • Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) are common viral pathogens.
  • Typically, HAdV infections are acute, self-limiting, and rarely fatal.

Observation:

  • A novel recombinant HAdV-D56 was isolated in France.
  • This HAdV strain caused a rare fatal neonatal infection.
  • It also caused keratoconjunctivitis in three healthcare workers.

Findings:

  • Whole genome analysis revealed extensive recombination in HAdV-D56.
  • Bootscan analysis indicated recombination with HAdV-D9, HAdV-D26, HAdV-D15, and HAdV-D29.
  • Protein structure analysis suggested ocular tropism due to fiber protein similarity with other HAdV types.

Implications:

  • HAdV-D56 represents a new HAdV-D type.
  • Recombination plays a significant role in human adenovirus evolution.
  • This highlights the emergence of novel adenovirus pathogens with potentially increased virulence or altered tropism.

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