Frequency of d222g Haemagglutinin Mutant of Pandemic (H1N1) pdm09 Influenza Virus in Tunisia between 2009 and 2011
Awatef El Moussi, Mohamed Ali Ben Hadj Kacem, Francisco Pozo, Juan Ledesma, Maria Teresa Cuevas, Inmaculada Casas and Amine Slim
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Diagnostic Pathology 2013, 8:124 doi:10.1186/1746-1596-8-124
Published: 31 July 2013
Abstract (provisional)
Background
The novel pandemic A (H1N1) pdm09 virus was first identified in Mexico in April 2009 and since then it spread worldwide over a short period of time. Although t he virus infection is generally associated with mild disease and a relatively low mortality, it is projected that mutations in specific regions of the viral genome, especially wi thin the receptor binding domain of the haemagglutinin (HA) protein could result in more virulent virus stains, leading to a more severe pathogenicity.
Methods
To monitor the genetic polymorphisms at position 222 of Haemagglutinin of inf luenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses from both outpatients with mild influenza and individuals with severe disease requiring hospitalization, during 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 seasons, a sequence-based genotypic assessment of viral populations to understand the pr evalence of D222G mutation.
Results
The D222G was identified in clinical specimens from 3 out of 42 case s analyzed in Tunisia with severe outcome (7%). Interestingly, in one fatal case out of four viruses taken from fatal cases studied (25%). Also this mutation was found in one mild case o ut of 8 mild cases studied (0.1%). D222E substitution was found in virus taken from one patient wit h severe clinical syndrome (2%) out of 42 severe cases analyzed and E374K substitution was found in two severe cases (4%) out of 42 severe cases studied.
Conclusions
A specific mutation in the viral haemagglutinin (D222G) was found in fa tal, severe and mild case. Further virological, clinical and epidemiological investi gations are needed to ascertain the role of this and other mutations that may alter the virulence a nd transmissibility of the pandemic influenza A (H1N1)pdm09. Virtual Slides The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagn...27334947811255
full article
Awatef El Moussi, Mohamed Ali Ben Hadj Kacem, Francisco Pozo, Juan Ledesma, Maria Teresa Cuevas, Inmaculada Casas and Amine Slim
For all author emails, please log on.
Diagnostic Pathology 2013, 8:124 doi:10.1186/1746-1596-8-124
Published: 31 July 2013
Abstract (provisional)
Background
The novel pandemic A (H1N1) pdm09 virus was first identified in Mexico in April 2009 and since then it spread worldwide over a short period of time. Although t he virus infection is generally associated with mild disease and a relatively low mortality, it is projected that mutations in specific regions of the viral genome, especially wi thin the receptor binding domain of the haemagglutinin (HA) protein could result in more virulent virus stains, leading to a more severe pathogenicity.
Methods
To monitor the genetic polymorphisms at position 222 of Haemagglutinin of inf luenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses from both outpatients with mild influenza and individuals with severe disease requiring hospitalization, during 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 seasons, a sequence-based genotypic assessment of viral populations to understand the pr evalence of D222G mutation.
Results
The D222G was identified in clinical specimens from 3 out of 42 case s analyzed in Tunisia with severe outcome (7%). Interestingly, in one fatal case out of four viruses taken from fatal cases studied (25%). Also this mutation was found in one mild case o ut of 8 mild cases studied (0.1%). D222E substitution was found in virus taken from one patient wit h severe clinical syndrome (2%) out of 42 severe cases analyzed and E374K substitution was found in two severe cases (4%) out of 42 severe cases studied.
Conclusions
A specific mutation in the viral haemagglutinin (D222G) was found in fa tal, severe and mild case. Further virological, clinical and epidemiological investi gations are needed to ascertain the role of this and other mutations that may alter the virulence a nd transmissibility of the pandemic influenza A (H1N1)pdm09. Virtual Slides The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagn...27334947811255
full article