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Higher Frequency of Detection of the New Human Polyomavirus, WU But not KI in HIV Exposed South African Children with Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Year: 2008

Type: article

Abstract: Two new polyomaviruses, WU- and KI, were identified in the last year in respiratory specimens from patients with respiratory tract infections in Australia, the USA and Europe. Limited information is so far available about their distribution or disease potential. Here we report the screening of nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPA) of patients with respiratory tract infections from hospitals in South Africa. WU virus was detected in 8% of cases which is significantly higher than previously reported and KI virus in <1%. Most cases were in children <3 years of age (95%). HIV exposure or infection was detected in 48% of WU virus positive cases which may account for the higher incidence in this group. Partial sequencing of the VP1 gene identified 4 distinct WU strains in South Africa, of which two were unique. KI viruses were identical to strains from Sweden. Further investigation is needed to determine the role of WU polyomaviruses in lower respiratory tract disease in HIV positive patients.

Source: International Journal of Infectious Diseases

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2008.05.876

Authors: M. Venter, A. Visser, R. van den Bergh

Institution: University of Pretoria

Language: English

Topic: Polyomavirus and related diseases

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,900