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Particle Agglutination Method for Poliovirus Identification
Published on: April 20, 2011
Isolation and characterization of a highly evolved type 3 vaccine-derived poliovirus in China
Xiaowei Zhang1, Chong Qin1, Wei Li1
1State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China.
Abstract:
In this study, we report the identification and characterization of a highly evolved type 3 vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) strain designated as WIV14, isolated in 2014 from a 4-year-old child suspected of having an enteroviral infection in China. Complete genome sequence of WIV14 revealed multiple nucleotide substitutions when compared with the attenuated poliovirus (PV) Sabin 3, including the reversion of three major attenuation sites to wild type. From the nucleotide divergence for the P1/capsid region, we estimated that the evolution time of WIV14 was more than 7 years, indicating the possible long time of replication. WIV14 strain seemed to have differences in biological characteristics compared with attenuated PV strains, such as being non-temperature-sensitive and producing large plaques. The current isolation of a highly divergent type 3 VDPV gives an idea of the risk of emergent VDPV strains, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage and herd immunity against PVs in China.
Insights
A highly evolved type 3 poliovirus (VDPV) strain, WIV14, was identified in China. This divergent strain, with over 7 years of evolution, highlights the risk of VDPVs and the need for high vaccination rates.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Public Health
Background:
- Poliovirus (PV) remains a global health concern, with vaccine-derived polioviruses (VDPVs) posing a risk.
- Type 3 VDPVs are less common than type 1 and 2, making their emergence significant.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a novel, highly divergent type 3 VDPV strain.
- To assess the evolutionary history and biological properties of the identified VDPV strain.
- To evaluate the implications for poliovirus surveillance and vaccination strategies.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and whole-genome sequencing of the VDPV strain WIV14 from a clinical sample.
- Comparative genomic analysis of WIV14 against the Sabin 3 vaccine strain.
- Estimation of evolutionary time based on nucleotide divergence in the P1/capsid region.
- Assessment of biological characteristics, including temperature sensitivity and plaque size.
Main Results:
- Identification of a highly evolved type 3 VDPV strain, WIV14, isolated in China in 2014.
- WIV14 genome shows multiple substitutions compared to Sabin 3, including reversion of key attenuation sites.
- Estimated evolutionary time of over 7 years, suggesting prolonged replication.
- WIV14 exhibits non-temperature-sensitive behavior and produces large plaques, differing from attenuated strains.
Conclusions:
- The emergence of highly divergent type 3 VDPVs poses a potential risk.
- Long-term replication of VDPVs can lead to significant genetic and phenotypic changes.
- Maintaining high vaccination coverage and herd immunity is crucial for preventing VDPV emergence and spread.

