Characterization of MC polyomavirus from Argentina, Uruguay and Spain

TORRES, C; BARRIOS, ME; CAMMARATA, RV; VICTORIA, M; FERNANDEZ-CASSI, X; BOFILL-MAS, S; COLINA, R; BLANCO FERNÁNDEZ, MD; MBAYED, VA

Simposio; III Latin American Symposium of Evironmental Virology; 2016

Recently described human polyomaviruses include the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), associated with an aggressive skin cancer. The aim of this work was to characterize the MCPyV circulating in Argentina, Uruguay and Spain by recovering viruses from sewage. Samples previously characterized as positive for MCPyV were analyzed. They belonged to sewage from: Buenos Aires city and suburbs in Argentina (2013, n=2); Fray Bentos, Bella Unión, Salto and Paysandú cities in Uruguay (2011 and 2012, n=21); and Barcelona city in Spain (2011, n=6). Viral genome was amplified by PCR and characterized by phylogenetic analysis. In addition, molecular cloning was performed on three samples. Sequencing showed the coexistence of different genotypes and variants, suggesting the concomitant presence of diverse viral types. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that sequences from the three countries grouped with the European/ North American or the South American genotypes. Results could reflect the origin of the current population in each country. In addition, the sequences found in Barcelona samples that grouped within the South American clade might be the result of recent migration events from South America to Spain.