Balazs Harrach

Publications

• 5.15

  Impact points

  Genome analysis of bat adenovirus 2: indications of interspecies transmission.

  Claudia Kohl, Márton Z Vidovszky, Kristin Mühldorfer, Piotr Wojtek Dabrowski, Aleksandar Radonić, Andreas Nitsche, Gudrun Wibbelt, Andreas Kurth, Balázs Harrach

  Journal of virology. 11/2011; 86(3):1888-92.

  The genome of bat adenovirus 2 was sequenced and analyzed. It is similar in size (31,616 bp) to the genomes of bat adenovirus 3 and canine adenoviruses 1 and 2. These four viruses are monophyletic and share an identical genome organization, with one E3 gene and four E4 genes unique to this group amo... [more] The genome of bat adenovirus 2 was sequenced and analyzed. It is similar in size (31,616 bp) to the genomes of bat adenovirus 3 and canine adenoviruses 1 and 2. These four viruses are monophyletic and share an identical genome organization, with one E3 gene and four E4 genes unique to this group among the mastadenoviruses. These findings suggest that canine adenoviruses may have originated by interspecies transfer of a vespertilionid bat adenovirus.
• 2.32

  Impact points

  Novel adenoviruses and herpesviruses detected in bats.

  Máté Jánoska, Márton Vidovszky, Viktor Molnár, Mátyás Liptovszky, Balázs Harrach, Mária Benko

  Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997). 07/2011; 189(1):118-21.

  Samples from native Hungarian or captive bats were tested by PCR for the presence of adenoviruses and herpesviruses. Two novel adenoviruses from a common noctule (Nyctalus noctula) and a greater horseshoe (Rhinolophus ferrum-equinum) bat were detected. In captive Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyp... [more] Samples from native Hungarian or captive bats were tested by PCR for the presence of adenoviruses and herpesviruses. Two novel adenoviruses from a common noctule (Nyctalus noctula) and a greater horseshoe (Rhinolophus ferrum-equinum) bat were detected. In captive Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus), DNA from two novel herpesviruses was demonstrated. Phylogenetic analysis facilitated provisional taxonomic placement of the newly detected viruses. Such analysis and the existence of unique, shared early proteins (E3 and E4) suggest that canine adenoviruses may have originated in vespertilinoid bats.
• 1.50

  Impact points

  Squirrel adenovirus type 1 in red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) in Germany.

  M Peters, M Z Vidovszky, B Harrach, S Fischer, P Wohlsein, J Kilwinski

  The Veterinary record. 06/2011; 169(7):182.
• 2.56

  Impact points

  Genomic and phylogenetic analyses of murine adenovirus 2.

  Silvio Hemmi, Márton Z Vidovszky, Justyna Ruminska, Sandra Ramelli, Willy Decurtins, Urs F Greber, Balázs Harrach

  Virus research. 06/2011; 160(1-2):128-35.

  Murine adenoviruses (MAdV) are supposedly the oldest members of the genus Mastadenovirus. Currently, there are three distinct MAdV types known with rather different tropism and pathology. Here we report and annotate the DNA sequence of the full genome of MAdV-2. It was found to consist of 35,203 bp ... [more] Murine adenoviruses (MAdV) are supposedly the oldest members of the genus Mastadenovirus. Currently, there are three distinct MAdV types known with rather different tropism and pathology. Here we report and annotate the DNA sequence of the full genome of MAdV-2. It was found to consist of 35,203 bp thus being considerably larger than the genomes of the other two MAdV types. The increased size of the MAdV-2 genome is generally due to larger genes and ORFs, although some differences in the number of ORFs were observed for the early regions E1, E3 and E4. The homologue of the 19K gene of E1B from MAdV-2 codes for 330 amino acids (aa) and is almost twice as large as from other mastadenoviruses. Accordingly, only the N-terminal half (155aa) has homology to the 19K protein. A homologue of the gene of the 12.5K protein was identified in the E3 region of MAdV-2, but not in MAdV-1 or MAdV-3. The other gene of yet unknown function in the E3 region of MAdV-2 seems to be unique. The E4 region of MAdV-2 contains three ORFs. One has similarity to the 34K gene of other AdVs. Two unique ORFs in the E4 region of MAdV-2 have no homology to any of the five and six ORFs in the E4 region of MAdV-1 or MAdV-3, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the three murine AdVs have a close common ancestor. They likely formed the first branching of the lineage of mastadenoviruses, and seem to be the most ancient representatives of this genus.
• 5.15

  Impact points

  Toward an integrated human adenovirus designation system that utilizes molecular and serological data and serves both clinical and fundamental virology.

  Koki Aoki, Mária Benkö, Andrew J Davison, Marcela Echavarria, Dean D Erdman, Balázs Harrach, Adriana E Kajon, David Schnurr, Göran Wadell

  Journal of virology. 03/2011; 85(11):5703-4.

  The following proposals contribute towards elaborating a robust system for designating human adenovirus (HAdV) types....
• 1.11

  Impact points

  Comparative analysis of a conserved gene block from the genome of the members of the genus ictalurivirus.

  Andor Doszpoly, Mária Benko, Giuseppe Bovo, Scott E Lapatra, Balázs Harrach

  Intervirology. 01/2011; 54(5):282-9.

  Partial genome sequences were determined and subjected to comparative analyses from two fish herpesviruses (HVs). Acipenserid (Aci) HV-2, originating from the white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus), and ictalurid (Ic) HV-2, isolated from the black bullhead (Ameiurus melas), are recently approved s... [more] Partial genome sequences were determined and subjected to comparative analyses from two fish herpesviruses (HVs). Acipenserid (Aci) HV-2, originating from the white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus), and ictalurid (Ic) HV-2, isolated from the black bullhead (Ameiurus melas), are recently approved species of the genus Ictalurivirus of the family Alloherpesviridae. An almost 8,000-base-pair fragment, spanning between the genes of the DNA polymerase and the ATPase subunit of the terminase, was sequenced from each virus. The size, position and orientation of 2 partial and 3 full open reading frames, contained in the studied genome fragment, proved to be similar to their counterparts in IcHV-1, the type species of the genus Ictalurivirus. Thus, a well-conserved genus-specific gene block was identified. In the members of two other genera (Cyprinivirus and Batrachovirus) of the family Alloherpesviridae, no such gene block could be found; the location and orientation of the homologous genes showed significant divergence. The results of phylogenetic calculations were in good agreement with the genome arrangements inasmuch as AciHV-2, IcHV-1 and -2 are monophyletic and separated from the lineages of the other two genera. The new sequence enabled the inclusion of a hitherto unassigned HV, that of the Australian pilchard, into a phylogenetic calculation.
• 2.56

  Impact points

  Genomic characterization of human adenovirus 36, a putative obesity agent.

  John Arnold, Máté Jánoska, Adriana E Kajon, David Metzgar, Nolan Ryan Hudson, Sarah Torres, Balázs Harrach, Donald Seto, James Chodosh, Morris S Jones

  Virus research. 05/2010; 149(2):152-61.

  Increased levels of serum antibody titers against human adenovirus 36 (HAdV-D36) are associated with human obesity and experimental obesity in laboratory animals. While HAdV-D36 has been studied as an infectious agent implicated in obesity for over a decade, the complete genome sequence and its anal... [more] Increased levels of serum antibody titers against human adenovirus 36 (HAdV-D36) are associated with human obesity and experimental obesity in laboratory animals. While HAdV-D36 has been studied as an infectious agent implicated in obesity for over a decade, the complete genome sequence and its analysis have yet to be reported. A detailed analysis of the genome sequence of HAdV-D36 may be important to understand its role in obesity. Genomic and bioinformatic comparisons with other HAdVs identified differences that suggested unique functions. Global pairwise genome alignment with all sequenced human adenovirus D (HAdV-D) genomes revealed areas of nonconserved sequences in the hexon, E3 CR1 beta, E3 CR1 gamma, and fiber genes. Phylogenetic analysis of all HAdV-D36 proteins confirmed that this virus belongs to species Human adenovirus D. This genomic analysis of HAdV-D36 provides an important tool for comprehending the role that this unique adenovirus may play in human obesity. Low amino acid sequence identity in the E3 CR1 beta and CR1 gamma genes may suggest distinctive roles for these proteins. Furthermore, the predicted molecular models of the HAdV-D36 fiber protein seem to implicate a unique tissue tropism for HAdV-D36.
• 0.64

  Impact points

  Hepatitis and hydropericardium syndrome associated with adenovirus infection in goslings.

  Eva Ivanics, Vilmos Palya, Béla Markos, Adám Dán, Krisztina Ursu, Balázs Harrach, Gyozo Kaján, Róbert Glávits

  Acta veterinaria Hungarica. 03/2010; 58(1):47-58.

  Two outbreaks of severe acute disease characterised by hepatitis and hydropericardium were observed in young goslings on large-scale farms in Hungary. Histological examination revealed multifocal necrotic areas and two types of intranuclear inclusion bodies adjacent to necrotic areas in the liver. T... [more] Two outbreaks of severe acute disease characterised by hepatitis and hydropericardium were observed in young goslings on large-scale farms in Hungary. Histological examination revealed multifocal necrotic areas and two types of intranuclear inclusion bodies adjacent to necrotic areas in the liver. The most prominent type of inclusion bodies showed strong basophilic staining and completely filled the enlarged nucleus. The other type was eosinophilic and occupied the centre of the nucleus, which had margination of chromatin. In the heart, haemorrhage was associated with multifocal necrosis in the myocardium. The presence of fowl adenovirus DNA in different organs of the naturally infected goslings was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The virus was isolated, and identified as a goose adenovirus by genomic analysis. This is the first report on the involvement of a goose adenovirus in severe acute disease associated with hepatitis and hydropericardium.
• 2.13

  Impact points

  Recognition and partial genome characterization by non-specific DNA amplification and PCR of a new siadenovirus species in a sample originating from Parus major, a great tit.

  Endre R Kovács, Máté Jánoska, Adám Dán, Balázs Harrach, Mária Benkő

  Journal of virological methods. 10/2009;

  A seemingly novel siadenovirus species was detected by PCR and sequencing in the sample of a great tit (Parus major) found dead in Hungary. Since the genus Siadenovirus has very few known members so far, further study of the virus was intriguing not only from epizootiological but also from taxonomic... [more] A seemingly novel siadenovirus species was detected by PCR and sequencing in the sample of a great tit (Parus major) found dead in Hungary. Since the genus Siadenovirus has very few known members so far, further study of the virus was intriguing not only from epizootiological but also from taxonomical aspects. The sample, which had been tested in another PCR survey previously, consisted of less than 50mul of extracted nucleic acid. To ensure sufficient target DNA for an extended study, the viral genome had to be preserved. To this end, the sample was subjected to a novel method of non-specific DNA amplification. Using the amplified DNA as target, different PCR and sequencing strategies were applied with consensus or specific primers for the study of the central genome part of the putative tit adenovirus. The sequence of supposedly one half (13,628bp) of the genome was determined including eight full genes between the genes of the IVa2 and hexon proteins. The gene content of the viral genome fragment as well as the results of the phylogenetic analyses with different proteins confirmed the discovery of a new species in the genus Siadenovirus. This is the first report on the detection of an adenovirus in great tits. The methods, described in this work, proved suitable for the recovery of nucleic acid samples that contain irreplaceable microbial genomic DNA but are only available in limited quantities.

• The diversity and evolution of adenoviruses

  Harrach

  9th International Adenovirus Meeting, Dobogoko, Hungary; 04/2009
• 4.41

  Impact points

  Evidence of molecular evolution driven by recombination events influencing tropism in a novel human adenovirus that causes epidemic keratoconjunctivitis.

  Michael P Walsh, Ashish Chintakuntlawar, Christopher M Robinson, Ijad Madisch, Balázs Harrach, Nolan R Hudson, David Schnurr, Albert Heim, James Chodosh, Donald Seto, Morris S Jones

  PloS one. 02/2009; 4(6):e5635.

  In 2005, a human adenovirus strain (formerly known as HAdV-D22/H8 but renamed here HAdV-D53) was isolated from an outbreak of epidemic keratoconjunctititis (EKC), a disease that is usually caused by HAdV-D8, -D19, or -D37, not HAdV-D22. To date, a complete change of tropism compared to the prototype... [more] In 2005, a human adenovirus strain (formerly known as HAdV-D22/H8 but renamed here HAdV-D53) was isolated from an outbreak of epidemic keratoconjunctititis (EKC), a disease that is usually caused by HAdV-D8, -D19, or -D37, not HAdV-D22. To date, a complete change of tropism compared to the prototype has never been observed, although apparent recombinant strains of other viruses from species Human adenovirus D (HAdV-D) have been described. The complete genome of HAdV-D53 was sequenced to elucidate recombination events that lead to the emergence of a viable and highly virulent virus with a modified tropism. Bioinformatic and phylogenetic analyses of this genome demonstrate that this adenovirus is a recombinant of HAdV-D8 (including the fiber gene encoding the primary cellular receptor binding site), HAdV-D22, (the epsilon determinant of the hexon gene), HAdV-D37 (including the penton base gene encoding the secondary cellular receptor binding site), and at least one unknown or unsequenced HAdV-D strain. Bootscanning analysis of the complete genomic sequence of this novel adenovirus, which we have re-named HAdV-D53, indicated at least five recombination events between the aforementioned adenoviruses. Intrahexon recombination sites perfectly framed the epsilon neutralization determinant that was almost identical to the HAdV-D22 prototype. Additional bootscan analysis of all HAdV-D hexon genes revealed recombinations in identical locations in several other adenoviruses. In addition, HAdV-D53 but not HAdV-D22 induced corneal inflammation in a mouse model. Serological analysis confirmed previous results and demonstrated that HAdV-D53 has a neutralization profile representative of the epsilon determinant of its hexon (HAdV-D22) and the fiber (HAdV-D8) proteins. Our recombinant hexon sequence is almost identical to the hexon sequences of the HAdV-D strain causing EKC outbreaks in Japan, suggesting that HAdV-D53 is pandemic as an emerging EKC agent. This documents the first genomic, bioinformatic, and biological descriptions of the molecular evolution events engendering an emerging pathogenic adenovirus.

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• 0.64

  Impact points

  Detection of a novel bat gammaherpesvirus in Hungary.

  Viktor Molnár, Máté Jánoska, Balázs Harrach, Róbert Glávits, Nimród Pálmai, Dóra Rigó, Endre Sós, Mátyás Liptovszky

  Acta veterinaria Hungarica. 01/2009; 56(4):529-38.

  This paper describes the detection of a novel herpesvirus in a Serotine bat (Eptesicus serotinus) in Hungary. The rescued animal showed signs of icterus and anorexia and died within a day, in spite of immediate supportive therapy. Autopsy confirmed the clinical picture by the major lesions observed ... [more] This paper describes the detection of a novel herpesvirus in a Serotine bat (Eptesicus serotinus) in Hungary. The rescued animal showed signs of icterus and anorexia and died within a day, in spite of immediate supportive therapy. Autopsy confirmed the clinical picture by the major lesions observed in the liver. Histopathology revealed vacuolar degeneration in the hepatocytes and leukocytosis in the sinusoidal lumina. By electron microscopy, hydropic degeneration and apoptotic cells with a pycnotic nucleus were found in the liver. Bacteriological examinations gave negative results. As part of a routine screening project, detection of adeno- and herpesviruses from homogenised samples of the liver, lungs and small intestines was attempted by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. The adenovirus PCR ended with negative results. The herpesvirus PCR resulted in an amplification product of specific size. The nucleotide sequence of the amplicon was determined and analysed by homology search and phylogenetic analysis. A novel herpesvirus was identified, which seemed to be most closely related to members of the genus Rhadinovirus within the subfamily Gammaherpesvirinae. The causative role of the detected rhadinovirus in the fatal condition of the Serotine bat could not be proven, but it is most likely that reactivation from a latent infection allowed the detection of the virus by PCR.

• Genetic content, phylogeny and evolution of adenoviruses

  Harrach

  Adenoviruses. Basic Biology to Gene Therapy, Zadar, Croatia; 09/2008

  The genome of adenoviruses (AdVs) is a linear double-stranded DNA of 26–45 kb in size with inverted terminal repeats of 36–368 bp. The G+C content varies between 33.7% and 63.8%. Phylogenetic calculations show 5 clusters corresponding to four accepted and one proposed genus. Members of the genus Mas... [more] The genome of adenoviruses (AdVs) is a linear double-stranded DNA of 26–45 kb in size with inverted terminal repeats of 36–368 bp. The G+C content varies between 33.7% and 63.8%. Phylogenetic calculations show 5 clusters corresponding to four accepted and one proposed genus. Members of the genus Mastadenovirus occur in mammals, those of genus Aviadenovirus are found in birds. Reptilian AdVs belong to genus Atadenovirus but atadenoviruses, supposedly because of host switches, also occur in ruminants, birds and marsupials and have high A+T content in these “new” hosts. Genus Siadenovirus contains AdVs from frog and birds. The single confirmed fish AdV falls into a fifth clade. The central part of the genome is well conserved throughout the family (16 genes), whereas the two ends show large variations in length and content and are characteristic for each genus, or even for species. E.g., the ITRs of mastadenoviruses are considerable longer (93–371 bp) and more complex (containing a variety of cellular factor binding sites) than in members of other genera. Unique proteins of mastadenoviruses are protein V and IX, and most of those coded by the E1A, E1B, and E3 regions. From the E4 region, only the 34K protein seems to exist in all mastadenoviruses and it is even duplicated in bovine AdV-3 and porcine AdV-5. The E3 region is considerably shorter and simpler in animal AdVs than in human AdVs. It is simplest in murine AdV-1 possessing a single 12.5K homolog. The genome of aviadenoviruses is 20–45% larger than that of mastadenoviruses. Fowl AdV-1 has two fiber genes. On the left end of the aviadenovirus genome, a dUTPase gene is the first, while the right end contains unique transcription units. In atadenoviruses, a novel structural protein (p32K) was identified. Their putative early regions are on the genome ends, and are named as LH or RH genes, these latter ones existing in multiple copy numbers in different atadenoviruses. The genome of the single atadenovirus of avian origin (duck AdV-1), has a right-hand extension with seven additional genes of yet not fully characterized functions. Siadenoviruses have merely five genus specific genes including a homolog of bacterial sialidases (hence the name of the genus). The siadenoviral genome is the shortest (26 kb). It seems that AdVs share a long evolutionary history with their vertebrate hosts, and inter-species or inter-class host switches might explain the present day diversity.

• PCR screening of recycled avian samples reveals an amazing wealth of different AdV types and species in the wildlife

  Harrach, Vidovszky, Jánoska, Kaján, Bakonyi, Ursu, Weissenböck, Ejdersund, Benko

  XIV. International Congress of Virology, Istanbul, Turkey; 08/2008

  Although adenoviruses are common and infect a wide range of vertebrate hosts from fish to mammals, the majority of our present knowledge has been gathered by studying those virus types that infect humans or domestic animals. The number of adenoviruses recognized in diseased wild animals has started ... [more] Although adenoviruses are common and infect a wide range of vertebrate hosts from fish to mammals, the majority of our present knowledge has been gathered by studying those virus types that infect humans or domestic animals. The number of adenoviruses recognized in diseased wild animals has started to grow recently with the quick spread of more sensitive detection methods such as PCR. Fatal disease is often caused by adenoviruses that cannot easily be isolated and grown in vitro. The most successful PCR method is most likely a nested system with highly degenerate, consensus primers targeting the DNA polymerase gene of adenoviruses. The method has been useful in detection of a number of yet unknown adenovirus types in different reptiles including lizards and snakes. Here we report the results of a largescale screening of avian samples, the majority of which had been collected and tested for avian influenza or other virus previously. At the time of the abstract submission close to 1,000 samples including internal organs of birds of miscellaneous species found dead in Hungary, Austria and Switzerland, as well as nucleic acid samples extracted from organs, nasal or cloacal swabs, collected for avian influenza virus screening in Hungary and Sweden, were tested. The products of positive PCRs were sequenced directly from both ends with the PCR primers. In cases of evidence for the presence of multiple sequences, the products were cloned into pGEM-T plasmid, and several clones were sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequences of the polymerase gene fragments were aligned, and phylogenetic tree reconstructions were made using the PHYLIP. In spite of the small size of the alignments (hardly exceeding 90 amino acids), the calculations are appropriate for a preliminary genus classification of novel adenoviruses. The proportion of adenovirus positive samples exceeded 10%. More than half of the putative new adenovirus types seemed to belong to the genus Aviadenovirus, whereas the remaining positive samples contained si- or atadenoviruses in comparable numbers. The concurrent presence of several (2 or 3) adenovirus types (some times even from different genera) in the same sample was detected in a few instances. Confirmation of the existence and further genetic characterization of the new adenoviruses are being carried out by genus specific primers. (Support: OTKA-NKTH K67781 and NKTH Öveges József grant.)
• 5.15

  Impact points

  Human adenovirus type 52: a type 41 in disguise?

  J C de Jong, A D M E Osterhaus, Morris S Jones, Balázs Harrach

  Journal of virology. 05/2008; 82(7):3809; author reply 3809-10.
• 2.56

  Impact points

  Completion of the genome analysis of snake adenovirus type 1, a representative of the reptilian lineage within the novel genus Atadenovirus.

  Szilvia L Farkas, Balázs Harrach, Mária Benko

  Virus research. 04/2008; 132(1-2):132-9.

  Genome sequencing and analysis of snake adenovirus type 1 (SnAdV-1), originating from corn snake, were completed. This is the first full genomic sequence of an adenovirus from reptilian hosts. The presence of characteristic genus-common genes and transcription units, showed that SnAdV-1 shares simil... [more] Genome sequencing and analysis of snake adenovirus type 1 (SnAdV-1), originating from corn snake, were completed. This is the first full genomic sequence of an adenovirus from reptilian hosts. The presence of characteristic genus-common genes and transcription units, showed that SnAdV-1 shares similar genome organisation with members of the recently established genus Atadenovirus. Three novel open reading frames of yet unknown functions were found. One of these seemed to be related to a putative gene, the so-called 105R that has recently been described from the genome of the tree shrew adenovirus. The other two putative genes were found to be unique for SnAdV-1. On phylogenetic trees, SnAdV-1 clustered within the atadenovirus clade. Thereby the hypothesis on the reptilian origin of atadenoviruses was further strengthened. Interestingly, however, one of the most striking features of atadenoviruses, namely the base content heavily biased towards A+T, is not characteristic for SnAdV-1 having a genome of balanced composition with a G+C value of 50.21%.
• 1.91

  Impact points

  Molecular confirmation of a new herpesvirus from catfish (Ameiurus melas) by testing the performance of a novel PCR method, designed to target the DNA polymerase gene of alloherpesviruses.

  Andor Doszpoly, Endre R Kovács, Giuseppe Bovo, Scott E LaPatra, Balázs Harrach, Mária Benko

  Archives of virology. 02/2008; 153(11):2123-7.

  A PCR method with consensus degenerate primers was developed for the detection of herpesviruses (HVs) of anamnia. Compared to previously published PCRs, targeting the DNA polymerase gene of fish HVs, the size of PCR products was more than tripled. Although broad applicability of the method could not... [more] A PCR method with consensus degenerate primers was developed for the detection of herpesviruses (HVs) of anamnia. Compared to previously published PCRs, targeting the DNA polymerase gene of fish HVs, the size of PCR products was more than tripled. Although broad applicability of the method could not be proven, approximately 1,600-bp fragments from HVs of white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) and black bullhead (Ameiurus melas) were obtained and sequenced. Phylogenetic tree reconstructions showed both HVs to be monophyletic with the single member (ictalurid HV-1) of the genus Ictalurivirus in the new family Alloherpesviridae.
• 5.15

  Impact points

  New adenovirus species found in a patient presenting with gastroenteritis.

  Morris Saffold Jones, Balázs Harrach, Robert D Ganac, Mary M A Gozum, Wilfred P Dela Cruz, Brian Riedel, Chao Pan, Eric L Delwart, David P Schnurr

  Journal of virology. 07/2007; 81(11):5978-84.

  An unidentified agent was cultured in primary monkey cells at the Los Angeles County Public Health Department from each of five stool specimens submitted from an outbreak of gastroenteritis. Electron microscopy and an adenovirus-specific monoclonal antibody confirmed this agent to be an adenovirus. ... [more] An unidentified agent was cultured in primary monkey cells at the Los Angeles County Public Health Department from each of five stool specimens submitted from an outbreak of gastroenteritis. Electron microscopy and an adenovirus-specific monoclonal antibody confirmed this agent to be an adenovirus. Since viral titers were too low, complete serotyping was not possible. Using the DNase-sequence-independent viral nucleic acid amplification method, we identified several nucleotide sequences with a high homology to human adenovirus 41 (HAdV-41) and simian adenovirus 1 (SAdV-1). However, using anti-SAdV-1 sera, it was determined that this virus was serologically different than SAdV-1. Genomic sequencing and phylogenetic analysis confirmed that this new adenovirus was so divergent from the known human adenoviruses that it was not only a new type but also represented a new species (human adenovirus G). In a retrospective clinical study, this new virus was detected by PCR in one additional patient from a separate gastroenteritis outbreak. This study suggests that HAdV-52 may be one of many agents causing gastroenteritis of unknown etiology.
• 0.64

  Impact points

  Investigation of field outbreaks of turkey haemorrhagic enteritis in Hungary.

  V Palya, M Nagy, R Glávits, Eva Ivanics, D Szalay, A Dán, T Süveges, B Markos, B Harrach

  Acta veterinaria Hungarica. 04/2007; 55(1):135-49.

  Epidemiological, pathological, serological and virological investigations are reported on turkey haemorrhagic enteritis virus (THEV) infection in Hungarian turkey flocks. The pathogenesis of infection in experimentally infected turkeys and chickens, as well as the usefulness of polymerase chain reac... [more] Epidemiological, pathological, serological and virological investigations are reported on turkey haemorrhagic enteritis virus (THEV) infection in Hungarian turkey flocks. The pathogenesis of infection in experimentally infected turkeys and chickens, as well as the usefulness of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/sequencing method for epidemiological investigation and for the differentiation of vaccine and field strains of THEV was also studied. Since the first recognition of the disease in Hungary in the late 1970s, until recently the disease has been diagnosed sporadically in its mild form. In the last few years (2000-2005), however, the number of outbreaks and the severity of the disease increased (9-23 affected flocks/year). Most of the outbreaks occurred at the age of 6 to 8 weeks and was complicated with Escherichia coli infection. The antibody levels to THEV in turkey flocks gradually declined till 5-7 weeks of age, and then they increased sharply due to natural infection with THEV. The immune response to vaccination (at 5 weeks of age) showed no significant antibody level increase one week postvaccination, but four weeks later the antibody level reached high values and then remained at this high level. The agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test to detect turkey adenovirus A (TAdV-A) antigen and PCR methods for THEV-specific DNA gave similarly positive results if spleens with pathognomonic lesions were tested; however, PCR proved to be more sensitive in cases with less characteristic pathological lesions. Nucleotide sequence alignment of PCR products amplified from Hungarian field strains and the Domermuth vaccine strain and that of the published THEV hexon sequences in GenBank database revealed slight differences between the sequences.

• Phylogenetic analysis of adenovirus sequences.

  Balázs Harrach, Mária Benko

  Methods in molecular medicine. 02/2007; 131:299-334.

  Members of the family Adenoviridae have been isolated from a large variety of hosts, including representatives from every major vertebrate class from fish to mammals. The high prevalence, together with the fairly conserved organization of the central part of their genomes, make the adenoviruses one ... [more] Members of the family Adenoviridae have been isolated from a large variety of hosts, including representatives from every major vertebrate class from fish to mammals. The high prevalence, together with the fairly conserved organization of the central part of their genomes, make the adenoviruses one of (if not the) best models for studying viral evolution on a larger time scale. Phylogenetic calculation can infer the evolutionary distance among adenovirus strains on serotype, species, and genus levels, thus helping the establishment of a correct taxonomy on the one hand, and speeding up the process of typing new isolates on the other. Initially, four major lineages corresponding to four genera were recognized. Later, the demarcation criteria of lower taxon levels, such as species or types, could also be defined with phylogenetic calculations. A limited number of possible host switches have been hypothesized and convincingly supported. Application of the web-based BLAST and MultAlin programs and the freely available PHYLIP package, along with the TreeView program, enables everyone to make correct calculations. In addition to step-by-step instruction on how to perform phylogenetic analysis, critical points where typical mistakes or misinterpretation of the results might occur will be identified and hints for their avoidance will be provided.