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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Molecular evolution pattern of Merkel cell polyomavirus identified by viral metagenomics in plasma of high-risk blood donors from the Brazilian Amazon

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Author(s):
Bezerra, Rafael dos Santos [1] ; Bitencourt, Hellen Tayana [2] ; Covas, Dimas Tadeu [1] ; Kashima, Simone [1] ; Slavov, Svetoslav Nanev [1]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med Ribeirao Preto, Reg Blood Ctr Ribeirao Preto, BR-14051140 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Inst Hematol & Hemotherapy Amapa, BR-68900074 Macapa, Amapa - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION; v. 85, NOV 2020.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is a common human skin pathogen, shows high seroprevalence and is considered the etiologic agent of Merkel cell carcinoma. However, studies which detect MCPyV DNA in blood products may reveal the importance of this virus for the transfusion medicine. In this study we analyzed by viral metagenomics 36 plasma samples obtained from blood donors positive for the common blood transmitted in-fections from the city of Macapa (Brazilian Amazon). The generated raw data were were analyzed through a specific bioinformatics pipeline aimed at discovery of emerging viruses. The genomes of interest were analyzed phylogeographically and phylogenetically. MCPyV complete genome was recovered from one HBV-positive pool with high coverage (similar to 223x) indicating acute viremia or reactivated infection. Interestingly, the phylogeographic position of the identified strain suggests its ancestry compared to MCPyV isolate from Colombian Amazon which hypothesizes that viral dissemination in the Amazon may have originated from Brazil. In conclusion, this study brings information for the genetic relationships of MCPyV isolated from blood donors from the Brazilian Amazon and demonstrates the possible phylogeographic behavior of our strain in relation to the other findings. We also demonstrated a strong evidence of viremic MCPyV phase in blood donations, however, more studies are necessary in order to understand the MCPyV impact on transfusion therapy. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 19/08528-0 - Application of bioinformatic procedures for identification of the impact of the viral infections in hemotherapy
Grantee:Rafael dos Santos Bezerra
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
FAPESP's process: 17/23205-8 - Evaluation of the impact of emerging and reemerging viruses in the field of hemotherapy and stem cell transplantation by multiple-research approach
Grantee:Svetoslav Nanev Slavov
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
FAPESP's process: 18/15826-5 - Evaluation of the impact of emerging and reemerging viruses in the field of hemotherapy and stem-cell transplantation by multiple-research approach
Grantee:Svetoslav Nanev Slavov
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Young Researchers
FAPESP's process: 19/07861-8 - Development of a bioinformatic pipeline for identification of emerging infectious diseases among patients in regimen of chronic transfusion
Grantee:Ian Nunes Valença
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master