Identification of a New Polyomavirus from Patients with Respiratory Infections
Author Information
Author(s): Gaynor Anne M, Nissen Michael D, Whiley David M, Mackay Ian M, Lambert Stephen B, Wu Guang, Brennan Daniel C, Storch Gregory A, Sloots Theo P, Wang David
Primary Institution: Washington University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Is WU virus a human pathogen?
Conclusion
The WU virus is geographically widespread in the human population and may be a human pathogen.
Supporting Evidence
- The virus was detected in respiratory secretions from a 3-year-old child diagnosed with pneumonia.
- Screening of 2,135 patients resulted in the detection of 43 additional specimens containing WU virus.
- The presence of the virus in two continents suggests it is widespread in the human population.
Takeaway
Researchers found a new virus called WU in the noses of sick children, and it might make people sick.
Methodology
The study involved high throughput DNA sequencing of respiratory secretions from patients with acute respiratory infections.
Limitations
The study did not determine if WU virus is infectious or capable of replication in the respiratory tract.
Participant Demographics
Patients ranged in age from 4 months to 53 years, with the majority being children aged 3 and under.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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