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Published on: August 8, 2016
Genetic characteristics of mumps viruses isolated in Korea from 2007 to 2012
Seung Tae Kim1, You-Jin Kim1, Jeong-Sun Yang1
1Division of Respiratory Viruses Center for Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea.
Abstract:
Mumps is a vaccine-preventable viral disease. Despite vaccine coverage of >95%, the incidence of mumps has increased in Korea since 2007. This study aimed to genetically characterize mumps virus (MuV) strains that circulated in Korea between 2007 and 2012 to determine the factors underlying mumps outbreaks. MuV was isolated from 175 clinical specimens between 2007 and 2012 in Korea. Upon analysis of the SH gene in Korean mumps virus isolates, three different genotypes were identified: I, H, and F. The MuV genotypes I and H co-circulated in Korea, and eight isolates of Korean genotype F were found within the same time period in 2008. An analysis of HN amino-acid sequence data showed that Korean isolates had no changes in their glycosylation sites. At putative neutralizing epitope sites, the Jeryl-Lynn strain showed 4-5 different amino acid sequences from those observed in Korean isolates. Korean isolates of genotypes I and H shared distinctive point mutations on putative neutralizing epitope positions in each genotype. This report describes the genetic characteristics of MuV strains circulating in Korea and provides information on endemic mumps infections. This information may be important to help prevent mumps and control outbreaks of mumps in Korea. J. Med. Virol. 88:1479-1486, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Insights
Despite high vaccination rates, mumps outbreaks increased in Korea. Genetic analysis revealed diverse mumps virus (MuV) genotypes, including novel strains, indicating potential immune escape mechanisms contributing to endemic mumps infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mumps is a vaccine-preventable viral illness.
- Despite over 95% vaccine coverage, mumps incidence has risen in Korea since 2007.
- Understanding the genetic diversity of circulating mumps virus (MuV) is crucial for outbreak control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To genetically characterize MuV strains circulating in Korea between 2007 and 2012.
- To identify genetic factors contributing to mumps outbreaks in the region.
- To provide insights into endemic mumps infections for prevention strategies.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of MuV from 175 clinical specimens collected in Korea from 2007 to 2012.
- Genetic analysis of the SH gene to identify MuV genotypes.
- Amino acid sequence analysis of the HN protein, focusing on glycosylation sites and putative neutralizing epitopes.
Main Results:
- Three MuV genotypes (I, H, and F) were identified among Korean isolates.
- Genotypes I and H co-circulated, with genotype F detected in 2008.
- Korean isolates showed distinct point mutations at neutralizing epitope sites compared to the Jeryl-Lynn vaccine strain, without alterations in glycosylation sites.
Conclusions:
- The genetic diversity of MuV strains in Korea, including unique mutations, may influence viral transmission and immune evasion.
- These findings highlight the importance of ongoing genetic surveillance for effective mumps prevention and outbreak management in Korea.
- The study provides critical data on endemic mumps virus characteristics in a highly vaccinated population.
