Molecular Evolution of Human Metapneumovirus in Buenos Aires, Argentina during 2009-2011

VELEZ RUEDA ANA JULIA; MISTCHENKO ALICIA SUSANA; VIEGAS MARIANA

SANTA FE

Simposio; 8th ANNUAL RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS SYMPOSIUM; 2012

RSV 2012 COMMITTEE

The Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a paramyxovirus, genetic and clinical similar to other family members such as Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Human Parainfluenza virus. Taking into account that recent publications have shown that this virus contributes to increase the severity of respiratory infections in pediatric and elderly patients, studies of the molecular epidemiology have become necessary. During 2009-2011 a total of 1287 nasopharyngeal aspirates from hospitalized children with severe acute respiratory infection were tested for hMPV by qRTPCR. Of the 168 positive samples, 30 were further analyzed to study the genetic variability of the G glycoprotein. In addition, sequences of the F glycoprotein gene were obtained for some of these samples. The phylogenetic analysis including prototypic sequences showed that Argentinean strains were distributed into the two main types A and B (23 and 7, respectively). Co-circulation of genotypes A2 and B2 in the period 2009-2010 was detected, with prevalence of genotype A2, and during 2011 only genotype A2 circulated. The viral circulation analysis also showed the existence of phylogenetic clades restricted to our region evidencing local evolution, whereas other clade were related to strains from other regions. Positive selection was found for type A showing great plasticity supported by its extensive global distribution all over the years. The analysis of F glycoprotein gene showed less variability than the G glycoprotein.