Enterovirus D68 and other enterovirus serotypes identified in South African patients with severe acute respiratory illness, 2009-2011

Influenza Other Respir Viruses. 2017 May;11(3):211-219. doi: 10.1111/irv.12444. Epub 2017 Feb 26.

Abstract

Background: Human enteroviruses (EV) have been associated with severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) in South Africa.

Objectives: We aimed to describe the molecular epidemiology of EV serotypes among patients hospitalized with SARI during 2009-2011.

Patients/methods: Study samples from patients were tested for the presence of enterovirus using a polymerase chain reaction assay.

Results: 8.2% (842/10 260) of SARI cases tested positive for enterovirus; 16% (7/45) were species EV-A, 44% (20/45) EV-B, 18% (8/45) EV-C and 22% (10/45) EV-D. Seventeen different EV serotypes were identified within EV-A to EV-D, of which EV-D68 (22%; 10/45) and Echovirus 3 (11%; 5/45) were the most prevalent.

Conclusions: EV-D68 should be monitored in South Africa to assess the emergence of highly pathogenic strains.

Keywords: EV-D68; South Africa; enterovirus; pneumonia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Enterovirus / classification
  • Enterovirus / genetics
  • Enterovirus / isolation & purification
  • Enterovirus D, Human / classification
  • Enterovirus D, Human / genetics
  • Enterovirus D, Human / isolation & purification*
  • Enterovirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Enterovirus Infections / virology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Phylogeny
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / epidemiology
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / virology*
  • Serogroup
  • South Africa / epidemiology