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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Published on: December 10, 2013
Molecular characterization of human respiratory syncytial virus detected from central India
Mahima Sahu1, Mohan K Shukla1, Pradip V Barde1
1National Institute for Research in Tribal Health (NIRTH), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Garha, Jabalpur, India.
Insights
Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (hRSV) causes significant respiratory infections, especially in young children. This study identified circulating hRSV genotypes in Central India, revealing specific strains of hRSV-A and hRSV-B.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (hRSV) is a primary cause of respiratory infections in children and adults.
- hRSV is classified into subgroups A and B, with further division into multiple genotypes based on G protein gene variability.
- Limited data exists on circulating hRSV genotypes within India.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect and characterize the specific genotypes of hRSV circulating in Central India.
- To contribute to the understanding of hRSV epidemiology in the region.
Main Methods:
- Throat swabs from patients with Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) were collected.
- Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) was used for hRSV diagnosis.
- Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the G gene's C-terminal end were performed on positive samples.
Main Results:
- 62 out of 526 (12%) tested samples were positive for hRSV.
- 90% of positive cases occurred in children under 3 years of age.
- Both hRSV-A and hRSV-B subgroups were detected in equal proportions, with specific genotypes NA1, ON1 (hRSV-A), and BA9 (hRSV-B) identified.
Conclusions:
- The study identified specific circulating genotypes of hRSV in Central India.
- Molecular surveillance of hRSV is recommended for improved patient management and epidemiological monitoring in the region.
Abstract:
Human Respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is the major cause of respiratory tract infection in both children and adults, virtually all children acquire infection with hRSV by the age of 3 years. Two subgroups of the virus, hRSV-A and hRSV-B based on sequence variability of G protein gene are divided into 11 and 17 genotypes, respectively. Very limited data regarding circulating genotypes is available from India. This study aimed to detect and characterize the circulating genotype of hRSV from central India. Throat swabs collected from patient's having influenza like illness (ILI) were subjected to RT-PCR for diagnosis, further sequencing and phylogenetic analysis was performed using primers specific for C-terminal end of G gene. Out of 526 tested samples 62 (12%) were found positive, 90% cases were from children under 3-year age children. Both hRSV-A and hRSV-B were detected in equal proportions. Sequence analysis of 15 samples revealed circulation of genotypes NA1, ON1 of hRSV-A, and BA9 of hRSV-B. We advocate molecular surveillance of hRSV for better patient management and epidemiological monitoring.
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