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Characterization of an echovirus type 30 variant isolated from patients with aseptic meningitis
Abstract:
An outbreak of echovirus type 30 infection associated with aseptic meningitis occurred among newborn babies in a hospital neonatal room at Fukui City in 1983. The isolated virus was identified as an antigenic variant of echovirus type 30 by cross-neutralization tests with antisera against the prototype Bastianni strain and the present isolate. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the antigenic determinants responsible for virus neutralization, some of which were type specific and others strain specific, were present on the capsid protein VP1. The current strain was more thermoresistant than the prototype, suggesting some alterations in virus structural proteins.
Insights
An echovirus type 30 outbreak caused aseptic meningitis in newborns. The identified variant showed altered capsid protein VP1, making it more heat-resistant than the original strain.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Aseptic meningitis outbreaks in neonatal units pose significant risks.
- Echovirus type 30 has been implicated in previous meningitis cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate an outbreak of aseptic meningitis in newborns.
- To characterize the echovirus type 30 strain responsible for the outbreak.
Main Methods:
- Cross-neutralization tests using antisera against prototype and isolated strains.
- Western blot analysis of viral capsid protein VP1.
- Thermostability assays comparing the outbreak strain with the prototype.
Main Results:
- The outbreak was caused by an antigenic variant of echovirus type 30.
- Antigenic determinants on capsid protein VP1 were responsible for neutralization differences.
- The echovirus 30 variant exhibited increased thermoresistance compared to the prototype strain.
Conclusions:
- The identified echovirus 30 variant possesses distinct antigenic and thermoresistant properties.
- Alterations in structural proteins, particularly VP1, likely contribute to the variant's characteristics.
- Understanding these viral changes is crucial for managing neonatal echovirus infections.