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Harvala H, Robertson I, Chieochansin T, McWilliam Leitch EC, Templeton K, Simmonds P. Specific association of human parechovirus type 3 with sepsis and fever in young infants, as identified by direct typing of cerebrospinal fluid samples. J Infect Dis 2009; 199:1753-60. [PMID: 19456229 DOI: 10.1086/599094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human parechoviruses (HPeVs), along with human enteroviruses (HEVs), are associated with neonatal sepsis and meningitis. We determined the relative importance of these viruses and the specific HPeV types involved in the development of central nervous system-associated disease. METHODS A total of 1575 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples obtained during 2006-2008 were screened for HPeV by means of nested polymerase chain reaction. All samples for which results were positive were typed by sequencing of viral protein (VP) 3/VP1. Screening for HEV was performed in parallel, as was detection of HPeV in respiratory and fecal surveillance samples, to identify virus types circulating in the general population. RESULTS HPeV was detected in 14 CSF samples obtained exclusively from young infants (age, <3 months) with sepsis or pyrexia. The frequency of detection of HPeVs varied greatly by year, with the highest frequency (7.2%) noted in 2008 exceeding that of HEVs. Direct typing of CSF samples revealed that all infections were caused by HPeV type 3, a finding that is in contrast to the predominant circulation of HPeV1 in contemporary respiratory and fecal surveillance samples. CONCLUSION HPeV was a significant cause of severe sepsis and fever with central nervous system involvement in young infants, rivaling enteroviruses. The specific targeting of young infants by HPeV type 3 may reflect a difference in tissue tropism between virus types or a lack of protection of young infants by maternal antibody consequent to the recent emergence of HPeV.
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Harvala H, Simmonds P. Human parechoviruses: Biology, epidemiology and clinical significance. J Clin Virol 2009; 45:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2009.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2009] [Accepted: 03/13/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Ninomiya M, Takahashi M, Hoshino Y, Ichiyama K, Simmonds P, Okamoto H. Analysis of the entire genomes of torque teno midi virus variants in chimpanzees: infrequent cross-species infection between humans and chimpanzees. J Gen Virol 2009; 90:347-358. [PMID: 19141443 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.007385-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans are frequently infected with three anelloviruses which have circular DNA genomes of 3.6-3.9 kb [Torque teno virus (TTV)], 2.8-2.9 kb [Torque teno mini virus (TTMV)] and 3.2 kb [a recently discovered anellovirus named Torque teno midi virus (TTMDV)]. Unexpectedly, human TTMDV DNA was not detectable in any of 74 chimpanzees tested, although all but one tested positive for both human TTV and TTMV DNA. Using universal primers for anelloviruses, novel variants of TTMDV that are phylogenetically clearly separate from human TTMDV were identified from chimpanzees, and over the entire genome, three chimpanzee TTMDV variants differed by 17.9-20.3 % from each other and by 40.4-43.6 % from all 18 reported human TTMDVs. A newly developed PCR assay that uses chimpanzee TTMDV-specific primers revealed the high prevalence of chimpanzee TTMDV in chimpanzees (63/74, 85 %) but low prevalence in humans (1/100). While variants of TTV and TTMV from chimpanzees and humans were phylogenetically interspersed, those of TTMDV were monophyletic for each species, with sequence diversity of <33 and <20 % within the 18 human and three chimpanzee TTMDV variants, respectively. Maximum within-group divergence values for TTV and TTMV were 51 and 57 %, respectively; both of these values were substantially greater than the maximum divergence among TTMDV variants (44 %), consistent with a later evolutionary emergence of TTMDV. However, substantiation of this hypothesis will require further analysis of genetic diversity using an expanded dataset of TTMDV variants in humans and chimpanzees. Similarly, the underlying mechanism of observed infrequent cross-species infection of TTMDV between humans and chimpanzees deserves further analysis.
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Sharp CP, Norja P, Anthony I, Bell JE, Simmonds P. Reactivation and mutation of newly discovered WU, KI, and Merkel cell carcinoma polyomaviruses in immunosuppressed individuals. J Infect Dis 2009; 199:398-404. [PMID: 19090778 DOI: 10.1086/596062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection with the human polyomaviruses BK (BKV) and JC (JCV) is almost ubiquitous, asymptomatic, and lifelong. However, reactivation during immunosuppression, associated with mutations in the transcriptional control region (TCR) that up-regulates viral replication, can cause life-threatening disease. In this study, we investigated whether the recently discovered WU and KI polyomaviruses (WUPyV and KIPyV) and Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) could, like BKV and JCV, persist, mutate, and reactivate in immunodeficient subjects. METHODS Autopsy samples of lymphoid tissue from 42 AIDS-immunosuppressed subjects and 55 control samples were screened by polymerase chain reaction for all 5 polyomaviruses. TCR sequences from KIPyV and WUPyV recovered from both immunosuppressed and nonimmunosuppressed subjects were compared. RESULTS Combined polyomavirus detection frequencies were much higher for the immunosuppressed group, compared with the nonimmunosuppressed group (35.7% vs. 3.6%), with viral loads in lymphoid tissues ranging from < or = 8.4 x 10(5) to > 1.5 x 10(5) viral genome copies per 10(6) cells. MCPyV was recovered from only 1 HIV-negative study subject. TCR sequences from reactivated WUPyV and KIPyV variants showed a number of point mutations and insertions that were absent in viruses recovered from respiratory tract specimens obtained from nonimmunosuppressed subjects. CONCLUSIONS KIPyV and WUPyV show reactivation frequencies comparable to those of BKV and JCV during immunosuppression. TCR changes that potentially lead to transcriptional dysregulation may have pathogenic consequences equivalent in severity to those observed for JCV and BKV.
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Kapoor A, Slikas E, Simmonds P, Chieochansin T, Naeem A, Shaukat S, Alam MM, Sharif S, Angez M, Zaidi S, Delwart E. A newly identified bocavirus species in human stool. J Infect Dis 2009; 199:196-200. [PMID: 19072716 DOI: 10.1086/595831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 250] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral metagenomic analysis was used to identify a previously uncharacterized parvovirus species, "HBoV2," whose closest phylogenetic relative is the human bocavirus (HBoV). HBoV2 has a genomic organization identical to that of HBoV but has only 78%, 67%, and 80% identity, respectively, with the latter's NS1, NP1, and VP1/VP2 proteins. The study used polymerase chain reaction to detect HBoV2 sequences in 5 of 98 stool samples from Pakistani children and in 3 of 699 stool samples from Edinburgh. Nearly-full-length genome sequencing revealed the presence of 3 HBoV2 genotypes and evidence of recombination between genotypes. Further studies are necessary to identify anatomical sites of HBoV2 replication and potential associations with clinical symptoms or disease.
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Drexler JF, Kupfer B, Petersen N, Grotto RMT, Rodrigues SMC, Grywna K, Panning M, Annan A, Silva GF, Douglas J, Koay ESC, Smuts H, Netto EM, Simmonds P, Pardini MIDMC, Roth WK, Drosten C. A novel diagnostic target in the hepatitis C virus genome. PLoS Med 2009; 6:e31. [PMID: 19209955 PMCID: PMC2637920 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1000031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2008] [Accepted: 12/24/2008] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Detection and quantification of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA is integral to diagnostic and therapeutic regimens. All molecular assays target the viral 5'-noncoding region (5'-NCR), and all show genotype-dependent variation of sensitivities and viral load results. Non-western HCV genotypes have been under-represented in evaluation studies. An alternative diagnostic target region within the HCV genome could facilitate a new generation of assays. METHODS AND FINDINGS In this study we determined by de novo sequencing that the 3'-X-tail element, characterized significantly later than the rest of the genome, is highly conserved across genotypes. To prove its clinical utility as a molecular diagnostic target, a prototype qualitative and quantitative test was developed and evaluated multicentrically on a large and complete panel of 725 clinical plasma samples, covering HCV genotypes 1-6, from four continents (Germany, UK, Brazil, South Africa, Singapore). To our knowledge, this is the most diversified and comprehensive panel of clinical and genotype specimens used in HCV nucleic acid testing (NAT) validation to date. The lower limit of detection (LOD) was 18.4 IU/ml (95% confidence interval, 15.3-24.1 IU/ml), suggesting applicability in donor blood screening. The upper LOD exceeded 10(-9) IU/ml, facilitating viral load monitoring within a wide dynamic range. In 598 genotyped samples, quantified by Bayer VERSANT 3.0 branched DNA (bDNA), X-tail-based viral loads were highly concordant with bDNA for all genotypes. Correlation coefficients between bDNA and X-tail NAT, for genotypes 1-6, were: 0.92, 0.85, 0.95, 0.91, 0.95, and 0.96, respectively; X-tail-based viral loads deviated by more than 0.5 log10 from 5'-NCR-based viral loads in only 12% of samples (maximum deviation, 0.85 log10). The successful introduction of X-tail NAT in a Brazilian laboratory confirmed the practical stability and robustness of the X-tail-based protocol. The assay was implemented at low reaction costs (US$8.70 per sample), short turnover times (2.5 h for up to 96 samples), and without technical difficulties. CONCLUSION This study indicates a way to fundamentally improve HCV viral load monitoring and infection screening. Our prototype assay can serve as a template for a new generation of viral load assays. Additionally, to our knowledge this study provides the first open protocol to permit industry-grade HCV detection and quantification in resource-limited settings.
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Reed E, Simmonds P, Corner J. Surveying the experience of living with metastatic breast cancer: comparing face-to-face and online recruitment. J Res Nurs 2009. [DOI: 10.1177/1744987108100013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract With its growing use, the Internet offers researchers a novel approach in reaching those they seek to study locally, nationally or globally. The purpose of this paper is to describe our experience of using the Internet as one means of recruiting to a research study exploring the experience of women with metastatic breast cancer and to compare the methodological issues of using face-to-face and online approaches to survey recruitment. The survey incorporated the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B) quality of life measure, a patient experience with care measure and open ended text questions about respondents’ physical, emotional and practical needs. Recruitment was done face-to-face in two cancer centres and on the Breast Cancer Care (it is the UK’s leading provider of information, practical assistance and emotional support for anyone affected by breast cancer) Website, recruiting 110 people in the cancer centres and 125 from the Website. The age range was 25–84. Website respondents were significantly younger than cancer centre respondents (<0.000). They also had significantly lower social well-being on the FACT-B scale and were less satisfied with information and advice (<0.000) and their personal experience of care (<0.010). Finally, we consider the role of the Internet in research and the methodological and ethical challenges this presents both now and in the future.
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Harvala H, Robertson I, McWilliam Leitch C, Chieochansin T, Templeton K, Simmonds P. O.5.4 Comparison of human parechovirus and enterovirus detection frequencies in central nervous system related disease – identification of a specifically neuropathogenic HPeV type. J Clin Virol 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s1386-6532(08)70048-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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284
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Davis M, Sagan SM, Pezacki JP, Evans DJ, Simmonds P. Bioinformatic and physical characterizations of genome-scale ordered RNA structure in mammalian RNA viruses. J Virol 2008; 82:11824-36. [PMID: 18799591 PMCID: PMC2583674 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01078-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2008] [Accepted: 09/10/2008] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
By the analysis of thermodynamic RNA secondary structure predictions, we previously obtained evidence for evolutionarily conserved large-scale ordering of RNA virus genomes (P. Simmonds, A. Tuplin, and D. J. Evans, RNA 10:1337-1351, 2004). Genome-scale ordered RNA structure (GORS) was widely distributed in many animal and plant viruses, much greater in extent than RNA structures required for viral translation or replication, but in mammalian viruses was associated with host persistence. To substantiate the existence of large-scale RNA structure differences between viruses, a large set of alignments of mammalian RNA viruses and rRNA sequences as controls were examined by thermodynamic methods (to calculate minimum free energy differences) and by algorithmically independent RNAz and Pfold methods. These methods produced generally concordant results and identified substantial differences in the degrees of evolutionarily conserved, sequence order-dependent RNA secondary structure between virus genera and groups. A probe hybridization accessibility assay was used to investigate the physical nature of GORS. Transcripts of hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis G virus/GB virus-C (HGV/GBV-C), and murine norovirus, which are predicted to be structured, were largely inaccessible to hybridization in solution, in contrast to the almost universal binding of probes to a range of unstructured virus transcripts irrespective of G+C content. Using atomic force microscopy, HCV and HGV/GBV-C RNA was visualized as tightly compacted prolate spheroids, while under the same experimental conditions the predicted unstructured poliovirus and rubella virus RNA were pleomorphic and had extensively single-stranded RNA on deposition. Bioinformatic and physical characterization methods both identified fundamental differences in the configurations of viral genomic RNA that may modify their interactions with host cell defenses and their ability to persist.
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Trinks J, Cuestas ML, Tanaka Y, Mathet VL, Minassian ML, Rivero CW, Benetucci JA, Gímenez ED, Segura M, Bobillo MC, Corach D, Ghiringhelli PD, Sánchez DO, Avila MM, Peralta LAM, Kurbanov F, Weissenbacher MC, Simmonds P, Mizokami M, Oubiña JR. Two simultaneous hepatitis B virus epidemics among injecting drug users and men who have sex with men in Buenos Aires, Argentina: characterization of the first D/A recombinant from the American continent. J Viral Hepat 2008; 15:827-38. [PMID: 18507755 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2008.00997.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have revealed that hepatitis B virus (HBV)/D and HBV/F predominate among blood donors from Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the present study, blood samples from two high-risk groups were analysed: 160 corresponding to street- and hospital-recruited injecting drug users [81.2% showing the 'anti-hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) only' serological pattern] and 20 to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)(+)/anti-HBc(+) men who have sex with men. HBV genotypes were assigned by polymerase chain reaction amplification followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism and confirmed by nucleotide sequencing of two different coding regions. HBV DNA was detected in 27 injecting drug users (16.9%, occult infection prevalence: 7.7%), and 14 men who have sex with men (70%). HBV/A prevailed among injecting drug users (81.8%) while HBV/F was predominant among men who have sex with men (57.1%). The high predominance of HBV/A among injecting drug users is in sharp contrast to its low prevalence among blood donors (P = 0.0006) and men who have sex with men (P = 0.0137). Interestingly, all HBV/A S gene sequences obtained from street-recruited injecting drug users encoded the rare serotype ayw1 and failed to cluster within any of the known A subgenotypes. Moreover, one of the HBV strains from a hospital-recruited injecting drug user was fully sequenced and found to be the first completely characterized D/A recombinant genome from the American continent. Data suggest that two simultaneous and independent HBV epidemics took place in Buenos Aires: one spreading among injecting drug users and another one sexually transmitted among the homosexual and heterosexual population.
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Apel EC, Brauers T, Koppmann R, Bandowe B, Boßmeyer J, Holzke C, Tillmann R, Wahner A, Wegener R, Brunner A, Jocher M, Ruuskanen T, Spirig C, Steigner D, Steinbrecher R, Gomez Alvarez E, Müller K, Burrows JP, Schade G, Solomon SJ, Ladstätter-Weißenmayer A, Simmonds P, Young D, Hopkins JR, Lewis AC, Legreid G, Reimann S, Hansel A, Wisthaler A, Blake RS, Ellis AM, Monks PS, Wyche KP. Intercomparison of oxygenated volatile organic compound measurements at the SAPHIR atmosphere simulation chamber. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2008jd009865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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287
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Simmonds P, Douglas J, Bestetti G, Longhi E, Antinori S, Parravicini C, Corbellino M. A third genotype of the human parvovirus PARV4 in sub-Saharan Africa. J Gen Virol 2008; 89:2299-2302. [PMID: 18753240 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.2008/001180-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PARV4 is a recently discovered human parvovirus widely distributed in injecting drug users in the USA and Europe, particularly in those co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Like parvovirus B19, PARV4 persists in previously exposed individuals. In bone marrow and lymphoid tissue, PARV4 sequences were detected in two sub-Saharan African study subjects with AIDS but without a reported history of parenteral exposure and who were uninfected with hepatitis C virus. PARV4 variants infecting these subjects were phylogenetically distinct from genotypes 1 and 2 (formerly PARV5) that were reported previously. Analysis of near-complete genome sequences demonstrated that they should be classified as a third (equidistant) PARV4 genotype. The availability of a further near-complete genome sequence of this novel genotype facilitated identification of conserved novel open reading frames embedded in the ORF2 coding sequence; one encoded a putative protein with identifiable homology to SAT proteins of members of the genus Parvovirus.
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Huang J, Golombek A, Prinn R, Weiss R, Fraser P, Simmonds P, Dlugokencky EJ, Hall B, Elkins J, Steele P, Langenfelds R, Krummel P, Dutton G, Porter L. Estimation of regional emissions of nitrous oxide from 1997 to 2005 using multinetwork measurements, a chemical transport model, and an inverse method. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2007jd009381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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289
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Kuntzen T, Berical A, Ndjomou J, Bennett P, Schneidewind A, Lennon N, Birren BW, Kuiken C, Henn MR, Simmonds P, Allen TM. A set of reference sequences for the hepatitis C genotypes 4d, 4f, and 4k covering the full open reading frame. J Med Virol 2008; 80:1370-8. [PMID: 18551618 PMCID: PMC2818806 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.21240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Infection with genotype 4 of the Hepatitis C virus is common in Africa and the Mediterranean area, but has also been found at increasing frequencies in injection drug users in Europe and North America. Full length viral sequences to characterize viral diversity and structure have recently become available mostly for subtype 4a, and studies in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, where high proportions of subtype 4a infected patients exist, have begun to establish optimized treatment regimens. However knowledge about other subtype variants of genotype 4 present in less developed African states is lacking. In this study the full coding region from so far poorly characterized variants of HCV genotype 4 was amplified and sequenced using a long range PCR technique. Sequences were analyzed with respect to phylogenetic relationship, possible recombination and prominent sequence characteristics compared to other known HCV strains. We present for the first time two full-length sequences from the HCV genotype 4k, in addition to five strains from HCV genotypes 4d and 4f. Reference sequences for accurate HCV genotyping are required for optimized treatment, and a better knowledge of the global viral sequence diversity is needed to guide vaccines or new drugs effective in the world wide epidemic.
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Simmonds P, Karakasiliotis I, Bailey D, Chaudhry Y, Evans DJ, Goodfellow IG. Bioinformatic and functional analysis of RNA secondary structure elements among different genera of human and animal caliciviruses. Nucleic Acids Res 2008; 36:2530-46. [PMID: 18319285 PMCID: PMC2377429 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkn096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2007] [Revised: 02/02/2008] [Accepted: 02/18/2008] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanism and role of RNA structure elements in the replication and translation of Caliciviridae remains poorly understood. Several algorithmically independent methods were used to predict secondary structures within the Norovirus, Sapovirus, Vesivirus and Lagovirus genera. All showed profound suppression of synonymous site variability (SSSV) at genomic 5' ends and the start of the sub-genomic (sg) transcript, consistent with evolutionary constraints from underlying RNA structure. A newly developed thermodynamic scanning method predicted RNA folding mapping precisely to regions of SSSV and at the genomic 3' end. These regions contained several evolutionarily conserved RNA secondary structures, of variable size and positions. However, all caliciviruses contained 3' terminal hairpins, and stem-loops in the anti-genomic strand invariably six bases upstream of the sg transcript, indicating putative roles as sg promoters. Using the murine norovirus (MNV) reverse-genetics system, disruption of 5' end stem-loops produced approximately 15- to 20-fold infectivity reductions, while disruption of the RNA structure in the sg promoter region and at the 3' end entirely destroyed replication ability. Restoration of infectivity by repair mutations in the sg promoter region confirmed a functional role for the RNA secondary structure, not the sequence. This study provides comprehensive bioinformatic resources for future functional studies of MNV and other caliciviruses.
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Benschop KSM, Williams ÇH, Wolthers KC, Stanway G, Simmonds P. Widespread recombination within human parechoviruses: analysis of temporal dynamics and constraints. J Gen Virol 2008; 89:1030-1035. [DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.83498-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human parechoviruses (HPeVs), members of the family Picornaviridae, are classified into six types. To investigate the dynamics and likelihood of recombination among HPeVs, we compared phylogenies of two distant regions (VP1 and 3Dpol) of 37 HPeV isolates (types 1 and 3–5) and prototype sequences (types 1–6). Evidence for frequent recombination between HPeV1, 4, 5 and 6 was found. The likelihood of recombination was correlated with the degree of VP1 divergence and differences in isolation dates, both indicative of evolutionary times of divergence. These temporal dynamics were found to be most similar to those of human enterovirus species B variants. In contrast, HPeV3 remained phylogenetically distinct from other types throughout the genome. As HPeV3 is equally divergent in nucleotide sequence from the other HPeV types, its genetic isolation may reflect different biology and changed cellular tropisms, arising from the deletion of the RGD motif, and likely use of a non-integrin receptor.
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Simmonds P, Manning A, Kenneil R, Carnie FW, Bell JE. Parenteral transmission of the novel human parvovirus PARV4. Emerg Infect Dis 2008; 13:1386-8. [PMID: 18252117 PMCID: PMC2857296 DOI: 10.3201/eid1309.070428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmission routes of PARV4, a newly discovered human parvovirus, were investigated by determining frequencies of persistent infections using autopsy samples from different risk groups. Predominantly parenteral routes of transmission were demonstrated by infection restricted to injection drug users and persons with hemophilia and absence of infection in homosexual men with AIDS and low-risk controls.
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Peters PJ, Duenas-Decamp MJ, Sullivan WM, Brown R, Ankghuambom C, Luzuriaga K, Robinson J, Burton DR, Bell J, Simmonds P, Ball J, Clapham PR. Variation in HIV-1 R5 macrophage-tropism correlates with sensitivity to reagents that block envelope: CD4 interactions but not with sensitivity to other entry inhibitors. Retrovirology 2008; 5:5. [PMID: 18205925 PMCID: PMC2268948 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-5-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2007] [Accepted: 01/18/2008] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HIV-1 R5 viruses cause most of the AIDS cases worldwide and are preferentially transmitted compared to CXCR4-using viruses. Furthermore, R5 viruses vary extensively in capacity to infect macrophages and highly macrophage-tropic variants are frequently identified in the brains of patients with dementia. Here, we investigated the sensitivity of R5 envelopes to a range of inhibitors and antibodies that block HIV entry. We studied a large panel of R5 envelopes, derived by PCR amplification without culture from brain, lymph node, blood and semen. These R5 envelopes conferred a wide range of macrophage tropism and included highly macrophage-tropic variants from brain and non-macrophage-tropic variants from lymph node. Results R5 macrophage-tropism correlated with sensitivity to inhibition by reagents that inhibited gp120:CD4 interactions. Thus, increasing macrophage-tropism was associated with increased sensitivity to soluble CD4 and to IgG-CD4 (PRO 542), but with increased resistance to the anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody (mab), Q4120. These observations were highly significant and are consistent with an increased affinity of envelope for CD4 for macrophage-tropic envelopes. No overall correlations were noted between R5 macrophage-tropism and sensitivity to CCR5 antagonists or to gp41 specific reagents. Intriguingly, there was a relationship between increasing macrophage-tropism and increased sensitivity to the CD4 binding site mab, b12, but decreased sensitivity to 2G12, a mab that binds a glycan complex on gp120. Conclusion Variation in R5 macrophage-tropism is caused by envelope variation that predominantly influences sensitivity to reagents that block gp120:CD4 interactions. Such variation has important implications for therapy using viral entry inhibitors and for the design of envelope antigens for vaccines.
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Anthony IC, Arango JC, Stephens B, Simmonds P, Bell JE. The effects of illicit drugs on the HIV infected brain. FRONT BIOSCI-LANDMRK 2008; 13:1294-307. [PMID: 17981630 DOI: 10.2741/2762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Evidence accumulating from clinical observations, neuroimaging and neuropathological studies suggests that illicit drug abuse accentuates the adverse effects of HIV on the central nervous system (CNS). Experimental investigation in cell culture models supports this conclusion. Injecting drug abuse is also a risk factor for the acquisition of HIV infection, the incidence of which continues to rise in intravenous drug users (IVDU) even in countries with access to effective therapy. In order to understand the interactions of drug abuse and HIV infection, it is necessary to examine the effects of each insult in isolation before looking for their combined effects. This review traces progress in understanding the pathogenesis of HIV related CNS disorders before the introduction of effective therapy and compares the state of our knowledge now that effective therapy has significantly modified disease progression. The additional impact of intravenous drug abuse on HIV-associated brain disease, then and now, is also reviewed. Predictions for the future are discussed, based on what is known at present and on recently emerging data.
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Norja P, Ubillos I, Templeton K, Simmonds P. No evidence for an association between infections with WU and KI polyomaviruses and respiratory disease. J Clin Virol 2007; 40:307-11. [PMID: 17997354 PMCID: PMC7172997 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2007.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2007] [Accepted: 09/24/2007] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND WU virus (WUV) and KI polyomavirus (KIPyV) are newly discovered related human polyomaviruses detected in respiratory samples. To investigate their potential role in respiratory disease, we determined their frequencies of detection, clinical presentations and epidemiological characteristics among samples referred for diagnostic respiratory virus testing. METHODS Anonymised samples and accompanying study subject information were obtained from the Edinburgh respiratory specimen archive. Samples were screened by nested PCR using two sets of primers conserved between WUV and KIPyV, as well for other respiratory viruses (respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], adenoviruses [AdV], influenza A/B and parainfluenza viruses 1-3, human bocavirus, B19). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS WUV and KIPyV were detected in 10 and 14 samples, respectively from 983 specimens (from 9 to 10 different individuals from 612 study subjects). Infections occurred in two types of study subject; those who were young (<2 years) with lower respiratory tract infections (n=8), and almost invariably co-infected with other respiratory viruses (RSV, AdV), and a second, generally older group either without respiratory disease (n=6) or with mild upper respiratory tract infections (n=5) but who were generally clinically severely immunosuppressed from leukaemia or transplant therapy. Findings from either group do not support an aetiological link between infection with WUV or KIPyV and respiratory disease.
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Eccles D, Gerty S, Simmonds P, Hammond V, Ennis S, Altman DG. Prospective study of Outcomes in Sporadic versus Hereditary breast cancer (POSH): study protocol. BMC Cancer 2007; 7:160. [PMID: 17697367 PMCID: PMC1995215 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-7-160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2007] [Accepted: 08/15/2007] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Young women presenting with breast cancer are more likely to have a genetic predisposition to the disease than breast cancer patients in general. A genetic predisposition is known to increase the risk of new primary breast (and other) cancers. It is unclear from the literature whether genetic status should be taken into consideration when planning adjuvant treatment in a young woman presenting with a first primary breast cancer. The primary aim of the POSH study is to establish whether genetic status influences the prognosis of primary breast cancer independently of known prognostic factors. Methods/design The study is a prospective cohort study recruiting 3,000 women aged 40 years or younger at breast cancer diagnosis; the recruiting period covers 1st June 2001 to 31st December 2007. Written informed consent is obtained at study entry. Family history and known epidemiological risk data are collected by questionnaire. Clinical information about diagnosis, treatment and clinical course is collected and blood is stored. Follow up data are collected annually after the first year. An additional recruitment category includes women aged 41 to 50 years who are found to be BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene carriers and were diagnosed with their first breast cancer during the study recruiting period. Discussion Power estimates were based on 10% of the cohort carrying a BRCA1 gene mutation. Preliminary BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation analysis in a pilot set of study participants confirms we should have 97% power to detect a difference of 10% in event rates between gene carriers and sporadic young onset cases. Most of the recruited patients (>80%) receive an anthracycline containing adjuvant chemotherapy regimen making planned analyses more straightforward.
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Hughes GJ, Willey SJ, Cochrane A, Leen C, Bell JE, Simmonds P. Virus immunocapture provides evidence of CD8 lymphocyte-derived HIV-1 in vivo. AIDS 2007; 21:1507-13. [PMID: 17630544 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0b013e3281e209e6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To demonstrate that HIV-1 immunocapture with an antibody against CD8 specifically captures virions derived from infected CD8 T cells, and to determine the proportion of HIV-1 derived from CD8 lymphocytes in plasma samples from HIV-infected individuals. METHODS A virus capture method was developed to enable the detection of HIV-1 virions based upon the presence of certain cell-specific host-derived proteins (CD8, CD3, CD36) within the viral envelope. HIV-1 virions were captured using antibodies against these proteins and levels of bound virus were determined by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Highly pure CD8 and CD3+CD8- T-cell cultures were used as in-vitro models to determine the specificity of the virus capture technique. RESULTS The in-vitro model demonstrates that incorporation of the CD8 molecule into released virions is specific to infection of CD8 T cells. Levels of HIV-1 immunocaptured from plasma of infected individuals using the anti-CD8 antibody indicate that up to 15% (range 10-33) of the plasma viral load is derived from CD8 lymphocytes. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates for the first time that HIV-1-infected CD8 T cells can contribute substantially to levels of circulating virus during the course of infection. Levels of CD8-derived virus did not correlate with the level of infection of circulating CD8 T cells, but do show a significantly good fit to plasma viral loads based on a power model. The extensive infection of CD8 T cells implied by these results may contribute towards immune dysfunction and disease progression to AIDS.
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