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Published on: July 22, 2012
High diversity of human parechovirus including novel types in stool samples from Ghanaian children
Silke Graul1, Sindy Böttcher2, Daniel Eibach3
1Institute of Virology, Medical Centre-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
Insights
Human parechovirus (HPeV) infections are common and diverse in Ghana, affecting 24% of children. However, HPeV was not linked to diarrhea, suggesting transient colonization rather than active infection.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Human parechovirus (HPeV) infections are poorly understood in African populations.
- Limited data exists on HPeV prevalence and genetic diversity in Ghana.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of HPeV in Ghanaian children.
- To determine the association between HPeV infection and diarrhea in a pediatric cohort.
- To identify novel HPeV types circulating in the region.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 682 stool samples from a pediatric case-control study (2007-2008).
- Real-time RT-PCR and partial VP1 gene sequencing for HPeV detection and typing.
- Assessment of co-infections using the xTAG Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel.
Main Results:
- A high HPeV prevalence of 24% was observed, with 14 distinct types detected.
- Phylogenetic analysis revealed a novel HPeV type, tentatively named HPeV-18.
- No significant association was found between HPeV and diarrhea (OR=0.8; 95% CI: 0.5-1.1).
- HPeV-positive children showed a higher incidence of co-infections.
Conclusions:
- High prevalence and genetic diversity of HPeV, including novel types, were identified in Ghanaian children.
- HPeV infection was not associated with diarrheal disease in this pediatric population.
- The high rate of co-infections suggests HPeV may represent transient colonization rather than a cause of illness.
Background:
Little is known on human parechovirus (HPeV) infections in Africa.
Objectives:
We aimed to determine the prevalence, genetic diversity, and association with diarrhea of HPeV in Ghanaian children.
Study Design:
A total of 682 stool samples from a pediatric case-control study on causes of diarrhea collected in 2007-2008 were used. Laboratory analysis included HPeV real-time RT-PCR and sequencing partial viral protein (VP) 1 gene region of HPeV. In addition, data on co-infections using the xTAG Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel were available.
Results:
Overall, a prevalence of 24% was found and 14 different HPeV types were detected. Phylogenetic analysis of the VP1 region indicated a novel type tentatively designated as HPeV-18. No association with diarrhea was found (OR=0.8; 95% CI: 0.5-1.1), and HPeV viral concentrations were not different among cases and controls. No seasonal pattern was observed. HPeV-positive cases displayed a slightly higher chance of co-infections.
Conclusions:
A high prevalence and genetic diversity of HPeV including novel types was found by sequencing partial VP 1 region. HPeV was not associated with diarrheal disease in this pediatric population and the high number of co-infection suggests transient colonization without clinical relevance.
