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Detection of BK polyomavirus genotypes in healthy and HIV-positive children
C Di Taranto1, V Pietropaolo, G B Orsi
1Institute of Microbiology, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Insights
BK virus (BKV) DNA was detected in community children, with subtype I being most common. HIV-1 positive children showed a higher prevalence of BKV, also predominantly subtype I.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- BK virus (BKV) is a common human polyomavirus.
- Primary BKV infection often occurs in early childhood.
- Understanding BKV prevalence in vulnerable populations like HIV-1 infected children is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and subtypes of BK virus (BKV) DNA in urine samples from community children and children with HIV-1.
- To compare BKV prevalence between HIV-1 positive and HIV-negative children.
- To identify the predominant BKV subtypes in the studied pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Urine samples were collected from 211 community children, 33 HIV-1 infected children, and 56 HIV-negative children.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to detect BKV DNA, targeting the VP1 structural region.
- Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) assay was employed to determine BKV subtype distribution.
Main Results:
- BKV DNA was detected in 3.8% of community children, with subtype I being most prevalent.
- BKV DNA was found in 6% (2 out of 33) of HIV-1 positive children, both identified as subtype I.
- No BKV DNA was detected in the HIV-negative cohort.
- Primary BKV infection is more common in children aged 3-5 years.
- A higher prevalence of BKV was observed in hospitalized children with HIV-1.
Conclusions:
- Subtype I is the most frequently detected BK virus subtype in both community and HIV-1 positive children.
- HIV-1 infection is associated with a higher prevalence of BK virus.
- Early childhood (3-5 years) is a peak period for primary BK virus infection.
Abstract:
Urine samples from 211 community children (3-7 years age), from 33 HIV type-1 infected children and from 56 HIV-negative children were collected and analyzed for the presence of BK virus (BKV) DNA by PCR. PCR amplifications were carried out using primers specific for the BKV structural region VP1. We also investigated the distribution of BKV subtypes by a restriction fragment polymorphism assay (RFLP). We demonstrated BKV DNA in 3.8% of 211 community children with a higher prevalence of subtype I. In HIV-1 positive children we detected BKV DNA in 2 urine samples (6%) out of 33, both belonging to subtype I. The HIV-negative cluster did not show any positivity to BKV DNA. The results confirm a more frequent primary BKV infection in children of 3-5 years of age and a higher prevalence in hospitalized children affected by HIV-1. The most relevant finding was that among both the community and HIV-1 positive children the subtype I was the most frequently detected.