BACKGROUND: Rubella virus (RV) causes a mild disease, but maternal infection early in pregnancy often leads to birth defects known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). Rubella remains poorly controlled in Africa. OBJECTIVES: To identify RV genotypes found in Africa to help establish a genetic baseline for RV molecular epidemiology. STUDY DESIGN: Urine and nasopharyngeal specimens were collected between 2001 and 2004 during measles surveillance in Morocco, Uganda and South Africa, and from two persons in the United States who contracted rubella in Cote d'Ivoire and Uganda in 2004 and 2007, respectively. RV RNA was obtained directly from specimens or from RV-infected cell cultures, amplified by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and the resulting DNAs sequenced. Sequences were assigned to genotypes by phylogenetic analysis with RV reference sequences. RESULTS: Nine RV sequences were assigned as follows: 1E in Morocco, 1G in Uganda and Cote d'Ivoire, and 2B in South Africa. CONCLUSIONS: Information about RV genotypes circulating in Africa is improved which should aid in control of rubella and CRS in Africa.
BACKGROUND:Rubella virus (RV) causes a mild disease, but maternal infection early in pregnancy often leads to birth defects known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). Rubella remains poorly controlled in Africa. OBJECTIVES: To identify RV genotypes found in Africa to help establish a genetic baseline for RV molecular epidemiology. STUDY DESIGN: Urine and nasopharyngeal specimens were collected between 2001 and 2004 during measles surveillance in Morocco, Uganda and South Africa, and from two persons in the United States who contracted rubella in Cote d'Ivoire and Uganda in 2004 and 2007, respectively. RV RNA was obtained directly from specimens or from RV-infected cell cultures, amplified by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and the resulting DNAs sequenced. Sequences were assigned to genotypes by phylogenetic analysis with RV reference sequences. RESULTS: Nine RV sequences were assigned as follows: 1E in Morocco, 1G in Uganda and Cote d'Ivoire, and 2B in South Africa. CONCLUSIONS: Information about RV genotypes circulating in Africa is improved which should aid in control of rubella and CRS in Africa.
Authors: Prossy Namuwulya; Emily Abernathy; Henry Bukenya; Josephine Bwogi; Phionah Tushabe; Molly Birungi; Ronald Seguya; Theopista Kabaliisa; Vincent P Alibu; Jonathan K Kayondo; Pierre Rivailler; Joseph Icenogle; Barnabas Bakamutumaho Journal: J Med Virol Date: 2014-04-04 Impact factor: 2.327