Analysis of the Molecular Prevalence and Genotypes of the Human Polyomavirus Malawi (MWPyV) in Pediatric Patients

• Grant number: 24/08209-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Molecular Genetics and Genetics of Microorganisms
• Principal Investigator: Svetoslav Nanev Slavov
• Grantee: Thuany Giovana Pereira Daniel
• Host Institution: Instituto Butantan. Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) are viruses with widespread global distribution and high seroprevalence in the human population. Primary infections caused by this viral family are typically asymptomatic or present with nonspecific symptoms. Despite the persistent nature of these viruses, little is known about their occurrence in pediatric populations and the acute infection profile. The Malawi human polyomavirus (MWPyV) is an emerging virus first identified in fecal samples from healthy children in Malawi. It is estimated that primary infection occurs mainly in early childhood, and the fecal-oral route appears to be a possible mode of transmission. However, MWPyV has not yet been definitively associated with any specific disease. In Brazil, there is limited information about the prevalence of this viral agent. This project's objective is to assess the molecular prevalence and circulating genotypes of MWPyV in pediatric patients from the outpatient clinic and the ward of the Hospital das Clínicas, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto (FMRP-USP). A total of 200 oropharyngeal swab samples from pediatric patients will be analyzed. The results obtained from this study may provide a more detailed insight into the molecular prevalence of the emerging MWPyV, contributing to the evaluation of its clinical relevance in the pediatric population.