Genetic variants of echovirus 13, northern India, 2010

Harjeet Singh Maan1, Rashmi Chowdhary, Akhalesh Kumar Shakya

  • 1Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India.

Insights

Nonpolio acute flaccid paralysis is rising in India. Echovirus 13, a rare serotype, was the primary viral cause identified in northern India during a 2010 study.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Nonpolio acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) is an increasing concern in India.
  • Enteroviruses are a known cause of AFP, but specific serotypes require identification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the viral etiologies of nonpolio acute flaccid paralysis cases in northern India.
  • To investigate the prevalence of specific nonpolio enterovirus serotypes.

Main Methods:

  • Cell culture and molecular analysis techniques were employed.
  • Samples were collected from AFP patients between March and August 2010.

Main Results:

  • Nonpolio human enteroviruses were identified as causative agents.
  • Echovirus 13 was the predominant enterovirus serotype detected.
  • This serotype was rarely isolated in India prior to this study.

Conclusions:

  • Echovirus 13 is a significant and emerging cause of nonpolio acute flaccid paralysis in northern India.
  • The findings highlight the need for ongoing surveillance of enterovirus serotypes causing AFP.

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