Open AccessMolecular characterization and sequence analysis of human astroviruses circulating in Hungary
Author(s) -
Jakab Ferenc,
Walter Jolan E.,
Berke Tamas,
Matson David O.,
Mitchell Douglas K.,
Szúcs György
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
fems immunology & medical microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1574-695X
pISSN - 0928-8244
DOI - 10.1016/s0928-8244(03)00236-0
Subject(s) - genotype , biology , virology , genetic diversity , molecular epidemiology , capsid , sequence analysis , astrovirus , sequence (biology) , acute gastroenteritis , virus , gene , genetics , rotavirus , medicine , population , environmental health
Human astroviruses (HAstVs) are major pathogens in viral gastroenteritis worldwide. Twenty‐five HAstV strains were detected from stool specimens of children hospitalized for acute gastroenteritis in Budapest, Hungary, between 1995 and 1999. Sequence analysis was performed at the 3′ end of the capsid gene to determine genotypic diversity of HAstVs circulating in Hungary. Five different genotypes of HAstVs were identified: HAstV‐1 was predominant, followed by types 5, 8, 3 and 4. Two different subtypes of HAstV‐1 were detected, but only one at a time in the community. This is the first report on the genetic diversity of HAstVs in Hungary and Central/Eastern Europe.