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Published on: April 27, 2011
Identification and molecular characterization of the first complete genome sequence of Human Parechovirus type 15
Maria Dolores Fernandez-Garcia1, Etienne Simon-Loriere2, Ousmane Kebe3
1Institut Pasteur, Dakar, Senegal. dolores.fernandez@yahoo.es.
Abstract:
Using a metagenomics approach, we have determined the first full-length genome sequence of a human parechovirus type 15 (HPeV15) strain, isolated from a child with acute flaccid paralysis and co-infected with EV-A71. HPeV15 is a rarely reported type. To date, no full-length genome sequence of HPeV15 is available in the GenBank database, where only limited VP1 sequences of this virus are available. Pairwise comparisons of the complete VP1 nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences revealed that the study strain belongs to type 15 as it displayed 79.6% nucleotide and 93.4% amino acid identity with the HPeV15 prototype strain. Comparative analysis of available genomic regions and phylogenetic analysis using the P2 and P3 coding regions revealed low nucleotide identity to HPeV reference genomes. Phylogenetic and similarity plot analyses showed that genomic recombination events might have occurred in the UTRs and nonstructural region during HPeV15 evolution. The study strain has high similarity features with different variants of HPeV3 suggesting intertypic recombination. Our data contributes to the scarce data available on HPeVs in Africa and provides valuable information for future studies that aim to understand the evolutionary history, molecular epidemiology or biological and pathogenic properties of HPeV15.
Insights
This study presents the first full-length genome of human parechovirus type 15 (HPeV15), identified in a child with acute flaccid paralysis. The findings reveal potential genomic recombination and contribute crucial data on HPeV15 evolution.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Genomics
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Human parechoviruses (HPeVs) are emerging viral pathogens.
- HPeV15 is a rarely reported type with limited genomic data available.
- Previous studies lacked full-length HPeV15 genome sequences in public databases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the first full-length genome sequence of a human parechovirus type 15 (HPeV15) strain.
- To analyze the genomic characteristics and evolutionary relationships of HPeV15.
- To contribute to understanding HPeV diversity and epidemiology, particularly in Africa.
Main Methods:
- Metagenomics sequencing to obtain the full-length viral genome.
- Comparative analysis of VP1 nucleotide and amino acid sequences.
- Phylogenetic analysis using P2 and P3 coding regions.
- Similarity plot analysis to detect recombination events.
Main Results:
- The first complete genome sequence of an HPeV15 strain was determined.
- The strain showed 79.6% nucleotide and 93.4% amino acid identity to the HPeV15 prototype in VP1.
- Phylogenetic analysis indicated low identity to other HPeV types and suggested potential intertypic recombination with HPeV3.
- Genomic recombination events may have occurred in the UTRs and nonstructural regions.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first full-length HPeV15 genome, significantly expanding available data.
- Genomic recombination is suggested as a factor in HPeV15 evolution.
- The findings enhance understanding of HPeV diversity and epidemiology in Africa.
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