Molecular characterization of the glycoproteins G and F of the respiratory syncytial virus circulating in 2013: genetic variability and detection of escape mutants to Palivizumab

• Grant number: 13/22650-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2014
• End date: December 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Edison Luiz Durigon
• Grantee: Thais Cristina Colmanetti
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) like rhinitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis are common infections in children. The Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (HRSV) is the most common virus associated to respiratory infections and nowadays, the only prophylaxis used worldwide is the Palivizumab (PVZ). It is a monoclonal antibody produced by the recombinant DNA technology inducing passive immunity and it acts in the F protein of the virus, preventing the entrance of the virus in the host cell. In Brazil there are not studies about the HRSV resistant strains and in this project, we aim to analyze and genetically characterize the circulating virus in São Paulo in order to detect the possible escape mutants to PVZ and contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology. It will be analyzed nasopharyngeal aspirate samples collected in the University Hospital of the University of São Paulo (HU-USP) and tested by Indirect Immunofluorescence (IIF) at the hospital during 2013. The positive samples were sent to LVCM - ICBII at USP and are going to have their nucleic acids extracted by automated method. The Fusion (F) and Adhesion (G) glycoproteins are going to be amplified by Traditional PCR and sequenced by SANGER method. (AU)