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Long Term Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Airway Infection in Mice
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Intrahost viral evolution during chronic sapovirus infections
Corinna Pietsch1, Uwe G Liebert1
1Institute of Virology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany Johannisallee 30, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
Summary
Chronic Sapovirus infections in immunocompromised patients can lead to prolonged diarrhea. Viral mutations in the capsid protein VP1 were observed during these persistent infections, offering insights into host-virus interactions.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Sapovirus (SaV) typically causes self-limiting diarrhea.
- Chronic SaV infections are recognized in immunocompromised individuals but remain understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the viral evolution of Sapovirus in immunocompromised hosts during chronic infections.
- To identify genetic changes in SaV associated with prolonged shedding and disease.
Main Methods:
- Real-time RT-PCR used to detect SaV RNA in 5333 inpatient stool samples (2010-2018).
- Genomic sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of SaV performed on chronic diarrhea cases.
- Amino acid mutations in viral capsid protein (VP1) identified and compared to GenBank data.
Main Results:
- SaV detected in 1.8% of patients; predominantly in young children and immunocompromised adults.
- Chronic diarrhea observed in nearly one-third of immunocompromised SaV-positive individuals.
- Accumulation of amino acid mutations, particularly in VP1 P2 subdomain, noted during chronic infection; reduction in immunosuppression correlated with viral clearance.
Conclusions:
- Immunocompromised individuals are at risk for chronic diarrhea due to persistent SaV infections.
- Identified VP1 mutations advance understanding of SaV-host interactions and viral evolution.
- Further structural studies are needed to fully elucidate SaV immune escape and fitness.
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