Molecular characterization of echovirus 30 isolates from Poland, 1995-2015

Magdalena Wieczorek1, Arleta Krzysztoszek2, Agnieszka Figas2

  • 1Department of Virology, National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene, Chocimska 24 Str., 00-791, Warsaw, Poland. mrechnio@pzh.gov.pl.

Virus Genes
|March 10, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Echovirus 30 (E30) genetic diversity in Poland over 20 years revealed two distinct circulating groups. This high variability may drive future aseptic meningitis outbreaks.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Echovirus 30 (E30) is a significant enterovirus causing meningitis in all age groups.
  • Understanding E30 genetic diversity is crucial for tracking outbreaks and developing control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the genetic variability and relationships of Echovirus 30 strains isolated in Poland over a 20-year period (1995-2015).
  • To investigate the genetic links between Polish E30 isolates and those from other global regions.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation of 124 E30 strains from aseptic meningitis cases using RD cells.
  • Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the VP1 gene (793 nt) for 58 E30 isolates.
  • Comparative analysis of nucleotide sequence divergence among Polish E30 strains.

Main Results:

  • Polish E30 isolates from 1995-2015 belonged to two distinct genetic groups with up to 15.0% nucleotide divergence.
  • Group I showed high divergence and temporal circulation, segregating into four subgroups.
  • Group II, linked to outbreaks in 2013-2014, formed a homogeneous cluster with strains from Russia and China.
  • Polish strains showed close genetic relationships with E30 isolates from Europe and other continents.

Conclusions:

  • The study identified five distinct Echovirus 30 lineages in Poland between 1995 and 2015, indicating significant genetic diversity.
  • This genetic variability is a key factor for the emergence of new E30 strains and potential future aseptic meningitis outbreaks.
  • Findings highlight the importance of continuous molecular surveillance of enteroviruses.

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