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Isolation and preliminary characterization of antigenic variant of echovirus type 11
K Matsumoto1, T Kobayashi, Y Kimura
1Department of Microbiology, Fukui Medical School, Japan.
Abstract:
Nosocomial infection with echovirus type 11 resulting in aseptic meningitis occurred among newborn babies in a hospital neonatal room at Fukui city. The virus was identified as a variant of echovirus type 11 by cross-neutralization tests with antisera against the prototype Gregory strain and the current Fukui isolate. Fukui isolates expressed strain specific antigen(s) in addition to type specific common antigen(s), but lacked a certain antigen(s) which was present in the prototype strain. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of virus polypeptides revealed that the capsid proteins VP2 and VP3 of Fukui strain migrated more rapidly than the Gregory strain, while both strains had the same migration pattern of VP1 protein on which the antigenic determinants responsible for virus neutralization were present. The current strain produced large plaques and was more thermoresistant, suggesting some alterations in the structural proteins of the virus.
Insights
A nosocomial echovirus type 11 outbreak caused aseptic meningitis in newborns. The Fukui strain, a variant, showed altered structural proteins and antigenicity compared to the prototype Gregory strain.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Nosocomial infections pose a significant risk to vulnerable populations, particularly newborns in hospital settings.
- Echovirus type 11 (EV-11) is a known cause of aseptic meningitis, a serious neurological condition.
- An outbreak of EV-11 infection occurred in a neonatal unit in Fukui city, necessitating investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the echovirus type 11 strain responsible for the neonatal aseptic meningitis outbreak in Fukui city.
- To compare the antigenic and structural properties of the Fukui isolate with the prototype Gregory strain of EV-11.
Main Methods:
- Cross-neutralization tests using antisera against prototype and Fukui strains.
- Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) to analyze viral capsid proteins.
- Plaque size and thermoresistance assays to assess viral characteristics.
Main Results:
- The Fukui isolate was identified as a variant of echovirus type 11.
- Fukui isolates exhibited strain-specific and type-specific antigens, differing from the prototype strain.
- SDS-PAGE revealed altered migration patterns for VP2 and VP3 capsid proteins in the Fukui strain.
- The Fukui strain produced larger plaques and demonstrated increased thermoresistance compared to the Gregory strain.
Conclusions:
- The Fukui echovirus type 11 strain possesses distinct antigenic and structural protein alterations compared to the prototype strain.
- These alterations may contribute to the observed phenotypic differences, such as plaque formation and thermoresistance.
- Understanding viral variants is crucial for managing nosocomial infections and preventing outbreaks in neonatal units.