Genetic Study of Measles Viruses in China
Author Information
Author(s): Zhang Yan, Ji Yixin, Jiang Xiaohong, Xu Songtao, Zhu Zhen, Zheng Lei, He Jilan, Ling Hua, Wang Yan, Liu Yang, Du Wen, Yang Xuelei, Mao Naiying, Xu Wenbo
Primary Institution: WHO WPRO Regional Reference Measles Lab, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, PR China
Hypothesis
What are the genetic characteristics of wild-type measles viruses circulating in China in 2004?
Conclusion
The study confirmed that genotype H1 is the predominant endemic genotype of measles viruses circulating in 16 provinces of China.
Supporting Evidence
- All 59 measles isolates belonged to genotype H1.
- 51 isolates were part of cluster 1 and 8 isolates were part of cluster 2.
- The nucleotide sequence homologies of the 59 H1 strains were 96.5%–100%.
Takeaway
Scientists looked at measles viruses from different parts of China and found that they all belong to the same type, called genotype H1, which is spreading in many places.
Methodology
Nucleotide sequencing of the C-terminal region of the N protein gene and phylogenetic analysis of 59 isolates from 16 provinces.
Limitations
The study only included isolates from 2004 and may not represent current genetic diversity.
Participant Demographics
Isolates were collected from 16 provinces in China.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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