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Molecular Evolution and Epidemiology of Parechovirus-A3 in Japan, 1997-2019

Yuta Aizawa1, Takuhiro Kasamatsu2, Koo Nagasawa3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan.

The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|May 24, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Parechovirus-A3 (PeV-A3) in Japan shows changing epidemic patterns, with steady numbers recently contrasting with earlier 2-3 year intervals. Genetic analysis reveals evolving viral clusters and an estimated emergence year of 1991.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Epidemiology
  • Molecular Evolution

Background:

  • Parechovirus-A3 (PeV-A3) is an emerging pathogen causing severe illness in infants.
  • PeV-A3 has been detected globally, but regional epidemiological patterns vary.
  • Understanding PeV-A3's evolution and spread is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular evolution and epidemiology of PeV-A3 in Niigata, Japan.
  • To analyze genetic changes and temporal trends of PeV-A3 strains from 1997-2019.
  • To estimate the emergence year of PeV-A3 in Japan.

Main Methods:

  • Genetic analysis of 131 PeV-A3 strains.
  • Bayesian evolutionary analysis of the complete viral protein 1 (VP1) region.
  • Epidemiological data analysis from 1997-2019.

Main Results:

  • Recent steady annual PeV-A3 numbers (2016-2019) contrast with previous 2-3 year epidemic cycles observed since 2006.
  • Bayesian analysis identified shifting dominant viral clusters during epidemic periods.
  • The lineage of the earliest Japanese PeV-A3 strains has not been detected since 2001.
  • The estimated emergence year for PeV-A3 in Japan is 1991.

Conclusions:

  • PeV-A3 exhibits dynamic epidemiological characteristics and molecular evolution in Japan.
  • Continuous genetic surveillance is essential for understanding global PeV-A3 epidemiology.
  • The findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring of emerging viral pathogens.
Keywords:
epidemiologyinfantsmolecular evolutionneonateparechovirus

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