Abstract

Human adenovirus (HAdV) has been associated with acute respiratory disease (ARD) in adult and pediatric patients in Egypt. Worldwide, adenovirus of species B, C, and E are predominantly associated with ARD. As part of an influenza-like illness (ILI) surveillance program in Egypt, we isolated 99 adenoviruses from 2003 to 2010. Initial identification of the isolates was accomplished with immunofluorescence assays (IFAs) and then confirmed with multiplex and monoplex PCR protocols. Of the 99 isolates, 39 were species B, 54 were species C, and 1 was species E. Additionally, 5 isolates represented co-infections of both HAdV-B and HAdV-C. Molecular typing by PCR and sequencing of the hexon gene allowed the identification of the serotypes of the HAdV-B isolates as follows: 17 isolates were Ad-3, 14 were Ad-7, 8 were Ad-11a. For the species C HAdV, 19 isolates were Ad-1, nine were Ad-2, 13 were Ad-5 and 12 were Ad-6. One sample in this group also represented a co-infection of Ad-5/Ad-6. The serotypes of the five HAdV-B/HAdV-C co-infections were Ads (3+1) for three cases, while the other two were Ads (3+5) and Ads (3+2). In contrast to previous studies in Egypt, we observed a higher number of HAdV-Cs which was recovered largely from a pediatric population. To reveal any recombination events in the AdV-C species isolates, we sequenced the fibre and the HVR-7 of the hexon genes and detected an Ad-2/Ad-6 recombination. The isolates which showed recombination events had the fibre of Ad-6 and the HVR-7 of Ad-2. For the HAdV-C fibre genes sequenced, the tail region was highly conserved (100% homology of amino acids) whereas the shaft and knob regions showed a high degree of heterogeneity at the nucleotide and amino acids levels. Additional studies are currently underway to determine novel markers of antiviral resistance, and to define possible vaccine candidate components that would be effective for the region.

Department

Biotechnology Program

Degree Name

MS in Biotechnology

Graduation Date

6-1-2011

Submission Date

July 2011

First Advisor

Siam, Rania

Second Advisor

Cornelius, Claire

Extent

NA

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Library of Congress Subject Heading 1

Influenza -- Prevention -- Egypt.

Library of Congress Subject Heading 2

Virus diseases -- Prevention -- Egypt.

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Not necessary for this item

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