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Analysis of molluscum contagiosum virus genomes isolated in Japan
J Nakamura1, Y Muraki, M Yamada
1Department of Virology, Okayama University Medical School, Japan.
Abstract:
The genomes of 477 Japanese strains of molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) were analyzed using an in-gel digestion method with the restriction enzyme BamHI, and classified into four types, including a newly detected type (MCV type 4). All type 1 (MCV-1) genomes examined so far in Japan showed a common difference from the genome of the MCV-1 prototype (MCV-1p), the type reported to be most prevalent in Europe. The common markers of the variants of MCV-1 were 24-kbp fusion fragments generated by the loss of a BamHI site between the D2 and F fragments of MCV-1p. These variants of MCV-1 were classified into three groups (MCV-1va, MCV-1vb, MCV-1vc), with the variability among them being due to additions and losses of BamHI sites located in the right terminus and around the E and I fragments of MCV-1va. The restriction map of MCV-4 was generated and lined up with those of the other types. Cross-hybridization analysis revealed that the organization of all types of MCV genomes were essentially colinear. Considerable numbers of BamHI restriction sites were conserved between MCV-2 and 4, indicating a close analogy between them. The overall prevalence of MCV, as shown by the ratios of MCV-1 (MCV-1p):MCV-2:MCV-3:MCV-4, was 436(0):13:24:4. Thus, the molecular epidemiology of MCV in Japan is characterized by the absence of the European prototype of MCV-1, the exclusive occurrence and abundance of variants of MCV-1, a greater prevalence of MCV-3 over MCV-2, and the presence of MCV-4.
Insights
Japanese molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) strains reveal a new type (MCV-4) and distinct variants of MCV-1, differing from European strains. Molecular epidemiology shows MCV-1 variants dominate, with MCV-3 more common than MCV-2.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) causes a common skin infection.
- Understanding MCV genetic diversity is crucial for molecular epidemiology.
- Previous studies have identified different MCV types, primarily MCV-1 and MCV-2.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the genetic diversity of molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) strains in Japan.
- To classify Japanese MCV strains based on genomic analysis.
- To investigate the molecular epidemiology of MCV in Japan.
Main Methods:
- Genomic analysis of 477 Japanese molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) strains.
- Restriction enzyme digestion using BamHI and in-gel digestion.
- Generation of restriction maps and cross-hybridization analysis.
Main Results:
- Four MCV types were identified, including a novel type, MCV-4.
- Japanese MCV-1 strains exhibited common differences from the European prototype (MCV-1p), forming three variants (MCV-1va, MCV-1vb, MCV-1vc).
- MCV-1 variants were abundant, MCV-3 was more prevalent than MCV-2, and MCV-4 was detected.
Conclusions:
- The molecular epidemiology of MCV in Japan is characterized by the absence of MCV-1p and the prevalence of MCV-1 variants.
- MCV-3 shows higher prevalence than MCV-2 in Japan.
- The study identified a new MCV type (MCV-4) and detailed the genetic landscape of MCV in Japan.