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Identification of a fourth human parechovirus serotype
Abstracts: Oral Presentations
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Virology of avian influenza in relation to wild birds
R.A.M. Fouchier*, V.J. Munster, J. Keawcharoen, A.D.M.E. Osterhaus, T. Kuiken. Department of Virology,
Erasmus Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 50, 3015 GE Rotterdam, The Netherlands The outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza of the H5N1 subtype in Asia, which has subsequently spread to Russia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, has put increased focus on the role of wild birds in the persistence of influenza viruses. The ecology, epidemiology, genetics, and evolution of pathogens cannot be fully understood without taking into account the ecology of their hosts. Here, we review our current knowledge on global patterns of LPAI influenza virus infections in wild birds, discuss these patterns in the context of host ecology and in particular birds' behaviour, and identify some important gaps in our current knowledge. In addition, we will discuss potentially important differences between LPAI influenza viruses and HPAI H5N1 viruses in wild birds and mammals, in particular with respect to pathogenesis, virus secretion, and hostrange.
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Epidemiology and potential clinical associations of human bocavirus
K. Templeton 1 *, A. Manning 2, V. Russell 2, K. Eastick 1, G. Leadbetter 1, N. Hallam 1, R Simmonds 2. 1Royal Infirmary
Hospital, Edinburgh; 2University of Edinburgh, Edinbrugh, UK Background and Aims: Human Bocavirus (HBoV) is a newly discovered human parvovirus; HBoV was first detected in respiratory samples with a potential role in human respiratory disease. This study compared frequencies, epidemiology and clinical backgrounds of HboV infections with those of other respiratory virus infections among diagnostic samples referred to the Specialist Virology Laboratory (SVL) in Edinburgh. Methods: Samples were coded and anonymised. Subject information was obtained from the SVL respiratory sample archive. Samples were screened by nested PCR for HBoV, and real-time PCR for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenoviruses, influenza and parainfluenza viruses. Results: HBoV infection was detected in 47 from 574 study subjects (9.2%), ranking below RSV (15.7%) and adenovirus (10.3%) in prevalence. HBoV showed peak incidences among young children (6-24 months) in mid-winter months (December, January). HBoV was specifically associated with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in children. HBoV infections were more prevalent in individuals infected with other respiratory viruses (17%), mainly adenovirus or RSV. HBoV infections were primarily seen in children less than 5 years (>90%) but also in immunosupressed adults. Conclusions and Discussion: HBoV was frequently detected and is a potential respiratory pathogen of LRTI, with a prevalence and epidemiology comparable to RSV. It is principally detected in children less than 5 years. Differentiating HBoV from RSV and other respiratory viruses may be clinically important in the future.
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Genotype analysis of measles outbreaks in the WHO European region 2005-2006
M. Mulders 1 *, G. Lipskaya 1 , J. Spika 1 , WHO European Regional Measles/Rubella Laboratory Network. 1World Health Organization,
European Regional Office, Copenhagen, Denmark The European Region of the World Health Organization has adopted a goal for measles and rubella elimination and control of congenital rubella by 2010. To achieve this goal high immunization coverage and in-depth surveillance are key strategies. Of the 52 Member States of the WHO European, 27 had a measles incidence of 1:1,000,000 or less. As of June 2006, only 17 countries reported this low incidence, and 9 reporting an incidence of more than 1:100,000. The increase in incidence was due to the occurrence of outbreaks of various nature in many of the Member States. A long-lasting outbreak started fall 2004 in Romania affecting well over 10,000 people and caused by a D4 virus, was also linked to smaller outbreaks in Portugal and Hesse, Germany in
$13 2005. Another devastating outbreak in Ukraine, which started in fall 2005, has affected well over 40,000 people and was caused by a single virus variant belonging to the D6 genotype. Genetically identical viruses were found in Germany (>1000 cases in Northern Rhine Westphalia), but also in Russian Federation, Belarus, Spain, Estonia, Latvia, Poland. The 3rd important genotype circulating in Europe was B3, a genetically highly diverse genotype extensively found in sub-Saharan Africa. Different variants of the B3 virus were found in Denmark, Sweden, Germany, UK, Spain. Although there is a marked improvement in the vaccination coverage and decrease in incidence for measles in the European Region, measles continues to have a severe public health impact throughout the entire Region. Increased vigilance and commitment at all levels is needed to ensure the Regional goals of measles and rubella elimination are met by 2010.
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Identification of a fourth human parechovirus serotype
K. Benschop 1 *, J. Schinkel 1 , M. Luken 4, R van den Broek 4, M. Beersma 5, N. Menelik6, H. van Eijk 1, H. Zaaijer 1, C. VandenBroucke-Grauls 3, M. Beld 1 , K. Wolthers 1,2. 1Cfinical
Virology and 2Human Retrovirology of the Department of 3Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 4primagen, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 5Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands, 6Department of Pediatrics, Boven IJ Ziekenhuis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Introduction: Since the recent discovery of a novel human parechovirus (HPeV) serotype in Japan, three different serotypes are recognized within the genus of HPeVs (formerly echovirus22 and 23). Infections with HPeVs are commonly associated with mild gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms in young children, but more severe conditions, such as flaccid paralysis and neonatal sepsis, have also been described. While genotyping HPeV isolates from our laboratory, we identified a deviant HPeV isolate (K251176-02) from a stool specimen from a neonate with high fever. Method: The complete genome sequence was determined by combinations of consensus primers to generate partially overlapping PCR fragments, which were subsequently sequenced. Extensive phylogenetic analysis was carried out on the complete genome sequence. For serotyping, neutralisation assays were carried out with antisera directed against the known serotypes 1-3. Results: Phylogenetic analysis of the complete genome showed that K251176-02 was most related to the HPeV2 prototype CT86-6760. However, the genetic distance is considerable (0.327) and comparable with the distances to other HPeV prototypes. A SimPIot analysis showed K251176-02 to be most similar to HPeV2 CT86-6760 in the highly variable P1 region and to HPeV3 in the more conserved P2-P3 region, suggesting that K251176-02 originated from an early recombination event. Furthermore, K251176-02 could not be neutralized by antisera directed against HPeV1-3. Conclusion: K251176-02 represents a new genotype based on phylogenetic analysis. As K251176-02 could not be neutralized with antibodies against the known HPeV serotypes, the newly identified HPeV should be classified as a fourth HPeV serotype. 1~
First national external quality assessment scheme for avian influenza A virus (H5N1)
H. Zeichhardt 1,2 *, B. Schweiger 3, V. Lindig 1,4, H.-P. Grunert 1,4.
1Charit~ University Medicine Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Institute of Virology, Berlin; 21NSTAND (Society for Promotion of Quality Assurance in Medical Laboratories), Duesseldorf,, 3Robert Koch-lnstltut, National Reference Center for Influenza, Berlin; 4Gesellschaft fuer Biotechnologische Diagnostik, Berlin, Germany External quality assessment schemes (EQASs) for influenza virus detection were implemented in Germany in 2000. These EQASs survey the laboratory proficiency as well as the robustness and quality of diagnostic tests. These EQASs are organized by INSTAND and authorized by the German Medical Association and three scientific societies. The EQAS cover the detection of human influenza viruses (homogenates of cells infected with influenza A subtype H1N1 or
I ~
Virology of avian influenza in relation to wild birds
R.A.M. Fouchier*, V.J. Munster, J. Keawcharoen, A.D.M.E. Osterhaus, T. Kuiken. Department of Virology,
Erasmus Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 50, 3015 GE Rotterdam, The Netherlands The outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza of the H5N1 subtype in Asia, which has subsequently spread to Russia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, has put increased focus on the role of wild birds in the persistence of influenza viruses. The ecology, epidemiology, genetics, and evolution of pathogens cannot be fully understood without taking into account the ecology of their hosts. Here, we review our current knowledge on global patterns of LPAI influenza virus infections in wild birds, discuss these patterns in the context of host ecology and in particular birds' behaviour, and identify some important gaps in our current knowledge. In addition, we will discuss potentially important differences between LPAI influenza viruses and HPAI H5N1 viruses in wild birds and mammals, in particular with respect to pathogenesis, virus secretion, and hostrange.
I•
Epidemiology and potential clinical associations of human bocavirus
K. Templeton 1 *, A. Manning 2, V. Russell 2, K. Eastick 1, G. Leadbetter 1, N. Hallam 1, R Simmonds 2. 1Royal Infirmary
Hospital, Edinburgh; 2University of Edinburgh, Edinbrugh, UK Background and Aims: Human Bocavirus (HBoV) is a newly discovered human parvovirus; HBoV was first detected in respiratory samples with a potential role in human respiratory disease. This study compared frequencies, epidemiology and clinical backgrounds of HboV infections with those of other respiratory virus infections among diagnostic samples referred to the Specialist Virology Laboratory (SVL) in Edinburgh. Methods: Samples were coded and anonymised. Subject information was obtained from the SVL respiratory sample archive. Samples were screened by nested PCR for HBoV, and real-time PCR for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenoviruses, influenza and parainfluenza viruses. Results: HBoV infection was detected in 47 from 574 study subjects (9.2%), ranking below RSV (15.7%) and adenovirus (10.3%) in prevalence. HBoV showed peak incidences among young children (6-24 months) in mid-winter months (December, January). HBoV was specifically associated with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in children. HBoV infections were more prevalent in individuals infected with other respiratory viruses (17%), mainly adenovirus or RSV. HBoV infections were primarily seen in children less than 5 years (>90%) but also in immunosupressed adults. Conclusions and Discussion: HBoV was frequently detected and is a potential respiratory pathogen of LRTI, with a prevalence and epidemiology comparable to RSV. It is principally detected in children less than 5 years. Differentiating HBoV from RSV and other respiratory viruses may be clinically important in the future.
I•
Genotype analysis of measles outbreaks in the WHO European region 2005-2006
M. Mulders 1 *, G. Lipskaya 1 , J. Spika 1 , WHO European Regional Measles/Rubella Laboratory Network. 1World Health Organization,
European Regional Office, Copenhagen, Denmark The European Region of the World Health Organization has adopted a goal for measles and rubella elimination and control of congenital rubella by 2010. To achieve this goal high immunization coverage and in-depth surveillance are key strategies. Of the 52 Member States of the WHO European, 27 had a measles incidence of 1:1,000,000 or less. As of June 2006, only 17 countries reported this low incidence, and 9 reporting an incidence of more than 1:100,000. The increase in incidence was due to the occurrence of outbreaks of various nature in many of the Member States. A long-lasting outbreak started fall 2004 in Romania affecting well over 10,000 people and caused by a D4 virus, was also linked to smaller outbreaks in Portugal and Hesse, Germany in
$13 2005. Another devastating outbreak in Ukraine, which started in fall 2005, has affected well over 40,000 people and was caused by a single virus variant belonging to the D6 genotype. Genetically identical viruses were found in Germany (>1000 cases in Northern Rhine Westphalia), but also in Russian Federation, Belarus, Spain, Estonia, Latvia, Poland. The 3rd important genotype circulating in Europe was B3, a genetically highly diverse genotype extensively found in sub-Saharan Africa. Different variants of the B3 virus were found in Denmark, Sweden, Germany, UK, Spain. Although there is a marked improvement in the vaccination coverage and decrease in incidence for measles in the European Region, measles continues to have a severe public health impact throughout the entire Region. Increased vigilance and commitment at all levels is needed to ensure the Regional goals of measles and rubella elimination are met by 2010.
1~
Identification of a fourth human parechovirus serotype
K. Benschop 1 *, J. Schinkel 1 , M. Luken 4, R van den Broek 4, M. Beersma 5, N. Menelik6, H. van Eijk 1, H. Zaaijer 1, C. VandenBroucke-Grauls 3, M. Beld 1 , K. Wolthers 1,2. 1Cfinical
Virology and 2Human Retrovirology of the Department of 3Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 4primagen, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 5Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands, 6Department of Pediatrics, Boven IJ Ziekenhuis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Introduction: Since the recent discovery of a novel human parechovirus (HPeV) serotype in Japan, three different serotypes are recognized within the genus of HPeVs (formerly echovirus22 and 23). Infections with HPeVs are commonly associated with mild gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms in young children, but more severe conditions, such as flaccid paralysis and neonatal sepsis, have also been described. While genotyping HPeV isolates from our laboratory, we identified a deviant HPeV isolate (K251176-02) from a stool specimen from a neonate with high fever. Method: The complete genome sequence was determined by combinations of consensus primers to generate partially overlapping PCR fragments, which were subsequently sequenced. Extensive phylogenetic analysis was carried out on the complete genome sequence. For serotyping, neutralisation assays were carried out with antisera directed against the known serotypes 1-3. Results: Phylogenetic analysis of the complete genome showed that K251176-02 was most related to the HPeV2 prototype CT86-6760. However, the genetic distance is considerable (0.327) and comparable with the distances to other HPeV prototypes. A SimPIot analysis showed K251176-02 to be most similar to HPeV2 CT86-6760 in the highly variable P1 region and to HPeV3 in the more conserved P2-P3 region, suggesting that K251176-02 originated from an early recombination event. Furthermore, K251176-02 could not be neutralized by antisera directed against HPeV1-3. Conclusion: K251176-02 represents a new genotype based on phylogenetic analysis. As K251176-02 could not be neutralized with antibodies against the known HPeV serotypes, the newly identified HPeV should be classified as a fourth HPeV serotype. 1~
First national external quality assessment scheme for avian influenza A virus (H5N1)
H. Zeichhardt 1,2 *, B. Schweiger 3, V. Lindig 1,4, H.-P. Grunert 1,4.
1Charit~ University Medicine Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Institute of Virology, Berlin; 21NSTAND (Society for Promotion of Quality Assurance in Medical Laboratories), Duesseldorf,, 3Robert Koch-lnstltut, National Reference Center for Influenza, Berlin; 4Gesellschaft fuer Biotechnologische Diagnostik, Berlin, Germany External quality assessment schemes (EQASs) for influenza virus detection were implemented in Germany in 2000. These EQASs survey the laboratory proficiency as well as the robustness and quality of diagnostic tests. These EQASs are organized by INSTAND and authorized by the German Medical Association and three scientific societies. The EQAS cover the detection of human influenza viruses (homogenates of cells infected with influenza A subtype H1N1 or