Intragroup antigenic diversity of human respiratory syncytial virus (group A) isolated in Argentina and Chile.

The intragroup antigenic diversity of the G glycoprotein of 226 human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) strains isolated in Buenos Aires (Argentina) and Santiago (Chile) between 1995 and 2002 was evaluated by ELISA with a panel of 14 anti-G monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). Out of 226 strains characterized, 172 (76%) belonged to group A and 54 (24%) to group B. Strains from both groups cocirculated throughout the study period in both countries, except in 1996, 2000, and 2002 when only group A strains were isolated. Within group A 23 different antigenic patterns were found as defined by the combination of reactivities with eight strain-specific anti-G MAbs. These antigenic patterns showed different behavior regarding their circulation. Some major patterns were observed in most years with variable proportions; other minor patterns were present in low proportions during 1 or 2 years and then were apparently replaced by new patterns. Some antigenic patterns occurred both in Argentina and Chile during the same epidemics. Since no strain-specific MAbs were available for group B, we could not evidence the antigenic variability within group B. These are the first data on antigenic characterization of HRSV strains isolated in Argentina and Chile. It is shown that the ELISA with MAbs directed against the G protein of RSV is a valuable tool. These results will also provide useful information for further studies to evaluate the antigenic variability of HRSV strains in relation with genetic characteristics.