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Identification of minireovirus as a Norwalk-like virus in pediatric patients with gastroenteritis
J F Lew1, M Petric, A Z Kapikian
1Laboratory of Infectious Disease, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
Abstract:
In 1977, 30- to 32-nm virus-like particles, named minireovirus because of their unique morphologic appearance, were detected by electron microscopy in the stools of infants and young children with gastroenteritis. Sequence analysis of approximately 2,800 consecutive bases derived from overlapping PCR clones of a recent minireovirus clinical isolate showed 52% nucleotide sequence identity with the Norwalk virus sequence and, in addition, demonstrated that the genomic organizations of these two viruses were similar. Our data show that minireovirus is a Norwalk-like virus and should now also be included in the Caliciviridae family.
Insights
Minireovirus, detected in children with gastroenteritis, shares genetic similarities with Norwalk virus. This finding classifies minireovirus as a Norwalk-like virus within the Caliciviridae family.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Gastroenterology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Minireovirus, characterized by its unique 30-32 nm particle size, was first identified in 1977.
- These virus-like particles were observed in the stool samples of infants and young children experiencing gastroenteritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To genetically characterize minireovirus.
- To determine the taxonomic classification of minireovirus based on its genomic sequence and organization.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy was used for initial particle detection.
- Overlapping PCR cloning was employed to obtain approximately 2,800 bases of the minireovirus genome.
- Sequence analysis was performed to compare the minireovirus genome with known viral sequences, specifically Norwalk virus.
Main Results:
- Sequence analysis revealed 52% nucleotide sequence identity between minireovirus and Norwalk virus.
- The genomic organization of minireovirus was found to be similar to that of Norwalk virus.
- These genetic similarities support the classification of minireovirus within the Norwalk-like virus group.
Conclusions:
- Minireovirus is a Norwalk-like virus.
- Based on genetic and genomic evidence, minireovirus should be included in the Caliciviridae family.
- This classification provides a better understanding of the viral etiology of gastroenteritis in children.