ABSTRACT
Background: Non-structural protein 4 [NSP4] is a critical protein for rotavirus [RV] replication and assembly. This protein has multiple domains and motifs that predispose its function and activity. NSP4 has a sequence divergence in human and animal RVs. Recently, 14 genotypes [E1-E14] of NSP4 have been identified, and E1 and E2 have been shown to be the most common genotypes in human
Methods: The gene and protein sequence of NSP4 in RV-positive samples were inspected with the aim of NSP4 genotyping and variation analysis in viroporin and other domains. P and G typings of RV samples were carried out by WHO primers using a semi-multiplex PCR method. Non-typeable RV samples were amplified by conserved primers and sequenced
Results: In viroporin and enterotoxin, conserved sequence was detected, and amino acids substitution with the same biochemical properties was found
Conclusion: Association of NSP4 genotype with P or G genotyping G1/G9 correlates with E1 genogroups. In electrophoretyping of RV, E2 genotype had a short pattern when compared to E1
ABSTRACT
Background and Aims: Hepatitis E virus [HEV] is considered as one of the common causes of acute viral hepatitis in the world, particularly in the developing countries. It also causes fulminant hepatitis in pregnant women. Although HEV infection in Iran is endemic, there are numerous reports of epidemics caused by this infection in this part of the world. This study aimed to determine seroprevalence of HEV among patients with acute hepatitis symptoms in Ahvaz, Iran
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study patients were selected based on laboratory findings related to acute hepatitis including elevated serum bilirubin levels, markedly elevated levels of liver enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and mild increases in alkaline phosphatase activity.The plasma samples were tested for IgM/IgG Hepatitis E antibody [anti-HEV] using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
Results: Out of 241 study patients, 125 [51.9%] were male and 116 [48.1%] female. The mean age+/-SD was 31.53+/-17.17 years. The results indicated 27.4% prevalence of anti-HEV antibodies among patients with acute hepatitis in Ahvaz
Conclusions: In regard with the findings, HEV can play an important role in incidence of hepatitis. The study needs to be conducted in high-risk groups and in general populatios