Circulation Patterns of Group A and B Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Genotypes in 5 Communities in North America

Abstract

Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is a major cause of serious lower respiratory tract illness in infants, young children, and the elderly. To characterize the circulation patterns of HRSV strains, nucleotide sequencing of the C-terminal region of the G protein gene was performed on 34-53 isolates obtained from 5 communities during 1 epidemic year, representing distinct geographical locations in North America. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 5-7 HRSV genotypes, including 1 or 2 predominant strains, circulated in each community. The patterns of genotypes were distinct between communities, and less diversity was seen between strains of the same genotype within than between communities. These findings are consistent with HRSV outbreaks' being community based in nature, although transmission of viruses between communities may occur. Several strains are probably introduced or circulate endemically in communities each year, and local factors-possibly immunity induced by previous years' strains-determine which strains predominate during an HRSV season.

Molecular epidemiology and genetic variability of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Stockholm, 2002–2003

“…However, it is not known if the 152 viruses designated as subgroup B could be further divided with regard to the 60 nucleotide duplication in the C-terminal part of the G gene as described elsewhere [Trento et al, 2003] since this part of the G gene was not sequenced. The 82 subgroup A viruses could be further divided into two known genotypes, GA2 (25) and GA5 (57) [Peret et al, 1998[Peret et al, , 2000.…”

“…In all 12 patients, sequences from the sequential sampling were identical and no genetic variation in the N-terminal region of the G gene could be demonstrated during the phase of illness. International data from molecular epidemiological studies of RSV are derived from long-term studies with 100 or more isolates [Peret et al, 1998;Choi and Lee, 2000;Seki et al, 2001;Venter et al, 2001;Scott et al, 2004;Kuroiwa et al, 2005;Sato et al, 2005;Viegas and Mistchenko, 2005], from long-term studies with a more limited number if isolates [Cane et al, 1994;Garcia et al, 1994;Zambon et al, 2001;Venter et al, 2002;Frabasile et al, 2003;Rafiefard et al, 2004;Galiano et al, 2005;Parveen et al, 2006], and also from shortterm studies like this one from Stockholm [Peret et al, 2000;Moura et al, 2004]. This study provides data from a complete season.…”

“…These subgroups are divided into several different genotypes [Peret et al, 1998[Peret et al, , 2000. At least 11 proteins are encoded by the genome [Cane, 2001].…”

“…The G gene consists of two variable parts, the N-terminal and the C-terminal, and a central, conserved region [Johnson et al, 1987;Cane et al, 1991;Sullender et al, 1991;Sullender, 2000;Cane, 2001]. Most frequently, genotype classification of RSV makes use of the C-terminal region of the G gene [Peret et al, 1998[Peret et al, , 2000Venter et al, 2001;Zlateva et al, 2005]. Accordingly, most studies of RSV phylogeny are based on the nucleotide variation of the C-terminal part of the G-gene [Peret et al, 1998[Peret et al, , 2000Venter et al, 2001Venter et al, , 2002Madhi et al, 2003;Sato et al, 2005].…”

“…Most frequently, genotype classification of RSV makes use of the C-terminal region of the G gene [Peret et al, 1998[Peret et al, , 2000Venter et al, 2001;Zlateva et al, 2005]. Accordingly, most studies of RSV phylogeny are based on the nucleotide variation of the C-terminal part of the G-gene [Peret et al, 1998[Peret et al, , 2000Venter et al, 2001Venter et al, , 2002Madhi et al, 2003;Sato et al, 2005]. It is only possible to differentiate new strains by sequencing the C-terminal, such as the RSV subgroup B strains with the 60 nucleotide duplication [Trento et al, 2003].…”