Pathogens (Mar 2024)

Metagenomic Detection and Genetic Characterization of Human Sapoviruses among Children with Acute Flaccid Paralysis in Nigeria

  • Uwem Etop George,
  • Temitope O. C. Faleye,
  • Lander De Coninck,
  • Sheriff Tunde Agbaje,
  • Ijeoma Maryjoy Ifeorah,
  • Bernard Anyebe Onoja,
  • Elijah Igbekele Oni,
  • Adebowale Oluseyi Olayinka,
  • Toluwani Goodnews Ajileye,
  • Arthur Obinna Oragwa,
  • Toluwanimi Emmanuel Akinleye,
  • Bolutife Olubukola Popoola,
  • Oluwadamilola Gideon Osasona,
  • Olaitan Titilola Olayinka,
  • Oluwadamilola Adefunke George,
  • Ahmed Iluoreh Muhammad,
  • Isaac Komolafe,
  • Adekunle Johnson Adeniji,
  • Jelle Matthijnssens,
  • Moses Olubusuyi Adewumi

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13030264
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 3
p. 264

Abstract

Read online

Using a metagenomic sequencing approach on stool samples from children with Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP), we describe the genetic diversity of Sapoviruses (SaVs) in children in Nigeria. We identified six complete genome sequences and two partial genome sequences. Several SaV genogroups and genotypes were detected, including GII (GII.4 and GII.8), GIV (GIV.1), and GI (GI.2 and GI.7). To our knowledge, this is the first description of SaV infections and complete genomes from Nigeria. Pairwise identity and phylogenetic analysis showed that the Nigerian SaVs were related to previously documented gastroenteritis outbreaks with associated strains from China and Japan. Minor variations in the functional motifs of the nonstructural proteins NS3 and NS5 were seen in the Nigerian strains. To adequately understand the effect of such amino acid changes, a better understanding of the biological function of these proteins is vital. The identification of distinct SaVs reinforces the need for robust surveillance in acute gastroenteritis (AGE) and non-AGE cohorts to better understand SaVs genotype diversity, evolution, and its role in disease burden in Nigeria. Future studies in different populations are, therefore, recommended.

Keywords