Genotypes of Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) of group B from Uruguay were assigned to strains isolated during 1999 and 2001 outbreaks and others formerly reported isolated in the period 1989-1996. The nucleotide sequences of the C-terminal portion of the G protein were compared to sequences representative of previously defined HRSV genotypes. Most Uruguayan strains clustered into five of the previously identified genotypes. Nine isolates clustered in two genotypes named URU1 and URU2 which were not described up to present. Two of the analyzed sequences isolated in 2001 have a six nucleotide duplication that is discussed in terms of HRSV variability.

ABSTRACT:The aim of this work was to detect serologic evidence of influenza virus infections in South American fur seals (Arctocephalus australis) that inhabit the Uruguayan coast. In 29 of 37 serum samples that were analyzed, we identified antibodies to at least one of the following antigens: H1N1 (A/NewCaledonia/ 20/99), B/Beijing/184/93-like viruses, B/Hong Kong/330/01, and B/Sichuan/379/99 by means of the hemagglutination inhibition assay (HAI). Results confirmed that influenza A viruses circulate in marine mammals and also showed, for the first time, indirect evidence of influenza B infections in Arctocephalus australis.

Outbreaks of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) are the leading cause of serious acute lower respiratory viral disease in many countries in different continents. Data on clinical and epidemiological aspects of HRSV infections in this country have been reported, but there is lack of data regarding the molecular epidemiology of this virus in Salvador. The genetic variability of HRSV isolated during an outbreak in Salvador, Brazil (1999) has been analysed. Partial sequences of the G protein gene of 13 isolates from antigenic group A and 4 isolates from antigenic group B of HRSV were determined. Nucleotide sequences of C-terminal G gene were compared to sequences of HRSV isolates from countries of South America and from the rest of the world available at the GenBank. Brazilian group A and B isolates were clustered into previously characterised genotypes: GA5, GA2, GA7, and GB3, SAB3, respectively. This is the first study of GA7 and SAB3 genotypes circulation in South American countries. It is interesting to point out that viruses isolated in Salvador appear to be closer related with those from Montevideo-Uruguay and Buenos Aires, Argentina strains, suggesting circulation of similar strains among different South American countries in different seasons. Moreover, viruses closely related genetically circulated in the same year in Salvador and distant places such as Mozambique, supporting the previous suggestion on the complexity of HRSV strain circulation patterns, and the high capability of HRSV spreading world-wide.

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