Results of Studies of Genetic Heterogeneity in Hantavirus RNA-Isolates, Found in the Territory of the Saratov Region

Abstract

With a view to obtain the data on intraspecific diversity of Hantaviruses circulating in the territory of the Saratov Region, carried out has been molecular-genetic testing of the field and clinical material. Using PCR assay, Hantavirus RNA has been detected in 25 samples obtained from small mammals and 15 blood samples of HFRS patients. Sequencing of 14 hantavirus RNA-isolates from rodents and 3 RNA-isolates from clinical material has made it possible to identify their taxonomic appurtenance to Puumala virus. Phylogenetic analysis of RNA-isolates has revealed that all of them are characterized by high degree of homology in between themselves (99.8 %) and substantial distinction from the known Puumala strains, frequently occurring in Russia (3.6-21 %). Therewith, verified has been circulation of Puumala virus in the territory of the Saratov Region using molecular-genetic techniques. Identified genetic differences of Saratov RNA-isolates, in particular, opens a further prospect for allocation of the sites where people can contract HFRS infection.

Keywords

• глпс
• хантавирусы
• вирус пуумала
• генотипирование
• пцр
• hfrs
• hantaviruses
• puumala virus
• genotyping
• pcr