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Small round virus-like particles associated with acute gastroenteritis in Japanese children
Abstract:
Nine patients with acute gastroenteritis shed small round virus-like particles in the faeces, and seven of them developed serum antibody against those particles as judged by immune electron microscopy. The small round virus-like particle was measured at 29-32 nm in diameter and showed a fine spiky structure on the surface. The buoyant density of the small round virus-like particles was determined to be 1.37-1.40 gm/cm3 in cesium chloride density gradient. The small round virus-like particle differed morphologically from astrovirus and calicivirus, and was antigenically dissimilar to Norwalk agent and W agent. These observations suggest that the small round virus-like particle is one of the new gastroenteritis viruses or may be a new serotype of them. Attempts to cultivate the small round virus-like particles were unsuccesful.
Insights
Researchers identified novel small round virus-like particles in patients with acute gastroenteritis. These particles, distinct from known viruses, may represent a new cause of gastroenteritis.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Acute gastroenteritis is a common illness with various viral causes.
- Identifying novel causative agents is crucial for understanding disease transmission and developing interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize novel small round virus-like particles (SRVLPs) detected in patients with acute gastroenteritis.
- To determine if these SRVLPs are antigenically distinct from known gastroenteritis viruses.
Main Methods:
- Immune electron microscopy (IEM) was used to detect antibodies against SRVLPs in patient serum.
- Morphological characterization of SRVLPs using electron microscopy.
- Buoyant density determination in cesium chloride gradients.
- Antigenic comparison with known gastroenteritis viruses (Norwalk, W agent, astrovirus, calicivirus).
Main Results:
- Nine patients with acute gastroenteritis shed SRVLPs.
- Seven of these patients developed serum antibodies against the SRVLPs.
- SRVLPs measured 29-32 nm in diameter with a spiky surface structure.
- Buoyant density was 1.37-1.40 gm/cm3.
- SRVLPs were morphologically and antigenically distinct from astrovirus, calicivirus, Norwalk, and W agents.
- Attempts to cultivate the SRVLPs were unsuccessful.
Conclusions:
- The identified SRVLPs are likely a new viral agent or a new serotype associated with acute gastroenteritis.
- Further research is needed to fully characterize and cultivate this novel virus.