Hideaki Shimizu

Publications of Hideaki Shimizu

• Novel human adenovirus strain, bangladesh.

  Authors: Yuki Matsushima, Hideaki Shimizu, Atsuko Kano, Etsuko Nakajima, Yoko Ishimaru, Shuvra Kanti Dey, Yuki Watanabe, Fuyuka Adachi, Keiichiro Suzuki, Kohnosuke Mitani, Tsuguto Fujimoto, Tung Gia Phan, Hiroshi Ushijima

  Emerging infectious diseases. 05/2012; 18(5):846-8.

  We report a novel human adenovirus D (HAdV-65) isolated from feces of 4 children in Bangladesh who had acute gastroenteritis. Corresponding genes of HAdV-65 were related to a hexon gene of HAdV-10,We report a novel human adenovirus D (HAdV-65) isolated from feces of 4 children in Bangladesh who had acute gastroenteritis. Corresponding genes of HAdV-65 were related to a hexon gene of HAdV-10, penton base genes of HAdV-37 and HAdV-58, and a fiber gene of HAdV-9. This novel virus may be a serious threat to public health.

• Novel Human Adenovirus Strain, Bangladesh

  Authors: Yuki Matsushima, Hideaki Shimizu, Atsuko Kano, Etsuko Nakajima, Yoko Ishimaru, Shuvra Kanti Dey, Yuki Watanabe, Fuyuka Adachi, Keiichiro Suzuki, Kohnosuke Mitani, Tsuguto Fujimoto, Tung Gia Phan, Hiroshi Ushijima

  Emerging Infectious Diseases. 05/2012; 18(5):846-848.

  We report a novel human adenovirus D (HAdV-65) isolated from feces of 4 children in Bangladesh who had acute gastroenteritis. Corresponding genes of HAdV-65 were related to a hexon gene of HAdV-10,We report a novel human adenovirus D (HAdV-65) isolated from feces of 4 children in Bangladesh who had acute gastroenteritis. Corresponding genes of HAdV-65 were related to a hexon gene of HAdV-10, penton base genes of HAdV-37 and HAdV-58, and a fi ber gene of HAdV- 9. This novel virus may be a serious threat to public health.

• Genomic characterization of a novel human adenovirus type 31 recombinant in the hexon gene.

  Authors: Yuki Matsushima, Hideaki Shimizu, Tung Gia Phan, Hiroshi Ushijima

  The Journal of general virology. 08/2011; 92(Pt 12):2770-5.

  A novel human recombinant adenovirus of species A (HAdV-A31 MZ) was isolated from a patient with acute gastroenteritis in Japan. The complete genome of HAdV-A31 strain MZ contains 33 776 bp. AnalysisA novel human recombinant adenovirus of species A (HAdV-A31 MZ) was isolated from a patient with acute gastroenteritis in Japan. The complete genome of HAdV-A31 strain MZ contains 33 776 bp. Analysis of the hexon gene of HAdV-A31 MZ indicated that its hexon sequence is the result of a genetic recombination between those of HAdV-A31 and a close relative to HAdV-A12. The recombination sites were found around the border of hypervariable loops 1 and 2 in the hexon gene, which are the most important determinants for virus neutralization. Loops 1 and 2 of this virus were genetically related to HAdV-A12, whereas all other parts of the genome were highly similar to HAdV-A31. In order to understand the evolution of adenoviruses correctly and to avoid misidentification of HAdV types, we recommend characterizing not only the hexon gene, but also the penton base and fiber genes.

• Detection of human parechovirus in stool samples collected from children with acute gastroenteritis in Japan during 2007-2008.

  Authors: Ngan Thi Kim Pham, Wisoot Chan-It, Pattara Khamrin, Shuichi Nishimura, Hideaki Kikuta, Kumiko Sugita, Tsuneyoshi Baba, Atsuko Yamamoto, Hideaki Shimizu, Shoko Okitsu, Masashi Mizuguchi, Hiroshi Ushijima

  Journal of medical virology. 02/2011; 83(2):331-6.

  Of 477 stool specimens, which had been screened for rotavirus, adenovirus, norovirus, sapovirus and astrovirus, collected from infants and children with acute gastroenteritis in pediatric clinicsOf 477 stool specimens, which had been screened for rotavirus, adenovirus, norovirus, sapovirus and astrovirus, collected from infants and children with acute gastroenteritis in pediatric clinics encompassing five localities (Sapporo, Tokyo, Maizuru, Osaka, and Saga) in Japan from July 2007 to June 2008, 247 negative samples (51.7%) were subjected to screening for human parechovirus. Human parechovirus (HPeV) was detected by RT-PCR using a primer pair to amplify 5'UTR region of its genome and was genotyped by sequencing of the VP1 gene. HPeV was detected in 20 of 247 specimens tested, and the detection rate was found to be 8.1%. Seventeen of the 20 strains that tested positive for HPeV were sequenced successfully the VP1 gene. The majority of the HPeV strains (n = 15) could be identified as HPeV1, and the remaining 2 strains could be typed as HPeV3. By phylogenetic and identical matrix analyses of HPeV VP1 sequences, HPeV1 should be divided into two lineages, and all of the Japanese studied HPeV1 strains belong to the lineage 2 accordingly. This is the first report of the circulation of HPeV, especially HPeV1 in Japan.

• Frequency of drug-resistant viruses and virus shedding in pediatric influenza patients treated with neuraminidase inhibitors.

  Authors: Daisuke Tamura, Norio Sugaya, Makoto Ozawa, Ryo Takano, Masataka Ichikawa, Masahiko Yamazaki, Chiharu Kawakami, Hideaki Shimizu, Ritei Uehara, Maki Kiso, Eiryo Kawakami, Keiko Mitamura, Yoshihiro Kawaoka

  Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. 02/2011; 52(4):432-7.

  Although influenza virus resistance to the neuraminidase inhibitor zanamivir is reported less frequently than is resistance to the neuraminidase inhibitor oseltamivir in clinical settings, it isAlthough influenza virus resistance to the neuraminidase inhibitor zanamivir is reported less frequently than is resistance to the neuraminidase inhibitor oseltamivir in clinical settings, it is unknown whether this difference is due to the limited use of zanamivir or to an inherent property of the drug. We therefore compared the prevalence of drug-resistant viruses and virus shedding in seasonal influenza virus-infected children treated with either oseltamivir or zanamivir. Clinical specimens (throat or nasal swab) were collected from a total of 144 pediatric influenza patients during the 2005-2006, 2006-2007, 2007-2008, and 2008-2009 influenza seasons. Neuraminidase inhibitor-resistant mutants were detected among the isolated viruses by sequencing the viral hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes. Sensitivity of the viruses to neuraminidase inhibitors was tested by neuraminidase inhibition assay. In oseltamivir- or zanamivir-treated influenza patients who were statistically comparable in their age distribution, vaccination history, and type or subtype of virus isolates, the virus-shedding period in zanamivir-treated patients was significantly shorter than that in oseltamivir-treated patients. Furthermore, the frequency of zanamivir-resistant viruses was significantly lower than that of oseltamivir-resistant viruses. In comparison with treatment with oseltamivir, treatment of pediatric patients with zanamivir resulted in the emergence of fewer drug-resistant influenza viruses and a shorter virus-shedding period. We conclude that zanamivir shows promise as a better therapy for pediatric influenza patients.

• A novel RT-multiplex PCR for detection of Aichi virus, human parechovirus, enteroviruses, and human bocavirus among infants and children with acute gastroenteritis.

  Authors: Ngan Thi Kim Pham, Quang Duy Trinh, Wisoot Chan-It, Pattara Khamrin, Hideaki Shimizu, Shoko Okitsu, Masashi Mizuguchi, Hiroshi Ushijima

  Journal of virological methods. 10/2010; 169(1):193-7.

  A novel reverse transcription-multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay was developed to detect Aichi virus, human parechovirus, enteroviruses, and human bocavirus. A mixture of four pairs ofA novel reverse transcription-multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay was developed to detect Aichi virus, human parechovirus, enteroviruses, and human bocavirus. A mixture of four pairs of published specific primers, 6261 and 6779, ev22(+) and ev22(-), F1 and R1, 188F and 542R, was used to amplify the viral genomes and specifically generate four different amplicon sizes of 519, 270, 440, and 354 bp for Aichi virus, human parechovirus, enteroviruses, and human bocavirus, respectively. A total of 247 fecal specimens previously screened for rotavirus, adenovirus, norovirus, sapovirus, and astrovirus-negative, collected from infants and children with acute gastroenteritis in Japan from July 2007 to June 2008, were tested further for the presence of the four viruses, Aichi virus, human parechovirus, enteroviruses, and human bocavirus, by RT-multiplex PCR. The total detection rate of these viruses was 26.7% (66 out of 247 samples). Of these, HPeV, EVs, and HBoV were identified in 20, 41, and 5 specimens. No Aichi virus was found among these subjects. The sensitivity and specificity of RT-multiplex PCR were assessed and demonstrated a strong validation against RT-monoplex PCR. This is the first report of detecting these types of viruses in fecal samples from infants and children with acute gastroenteritis by RT-multiplex PCR.

• Novel human parechovirus, Sri Lanka.

  Authors: Ngan Thi Kim Pham, Quang Duy Trinh, Sayaka Takanashi, Chandra Abeysekera, Asiri Abeygunawardene, Hideaki Shimizu, Pattara Khamrin, Shoko Okitsu, Masashi Mizuguchi, Hiroshi Ushijima

  Emerging infectious diseases. 01/2010; 16(1):130-2.

  Of 362 fecal samples collected from children with acute gastroenteritis in Sri Lanka during 2005-2006, 30 (8.3%) were positive for human parechovirus (HPeV) by reverse transcription-PCR. A novelOf 362 fecal samples collected from children with acute gastroenteritis in Sri Lanka during 2005-2006, 30 (8.3%) were positive for human parechovirus (HPeV) by reverse transcription-PCR. A novel HPeV, designated as HPeV10, was identified in 2 samples by sequence analysis of the viral protein 1 gene of the detected HPeVs.

• Molecular epidemiology of adenovirus infection among infants and children with acute gastroenteritis in Dhaka City, Bangladesh.

  Authors: Shuvra Kanti Dey, Hideaki Shimizu, Tung Gia Phan, Yuko Hayakawa, Abul Islam, Abul Faiz Mohammad Salim, Anisur Rahman Khan, Masashi Mizuguchi, Shoko Okitsu, Hiroshi Ushijima

  Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases. 08/2009; 9(4):518-22.

  A total of 917 fecal specimens collected from infants and children with acute gastroenteritis in Dhaka City, Bangladesh during 2004-2005 were examined for the presence of adenoviruses by PCR.A total of 917 fecal specimens collected from infants and children with acute gastroenteritis in Dhaka City, Bangladesh during 2004-2005 were examined for the presence of adenoviruses by PCR. Adenoviruses were identified in 17 of 917 (1.9%) specimens. Detected adenoviruses were subjected to molecular genetic analysis by sequencing method. Adenoviruses detected in this study were classified into three serotypes, namely Ad9, Ad10 and Ad40. Of these, Ad40 was predominant, followed by Ad9 and accounted for 42% (7 of 17) and 36% (6 of 17), respectively. This is the first report of acute gastroenteritis attributed to Ad9 and Ad10 in Dhaka City, Bangladesh. Another interesting feature of the study was absence of Ad41 serotype. Our results clearly indicated that adenovirus infections were most commonly observed in winter season (October 2004 through January 2005) and in rainy season (May 2005 through July 2005) in Dhaka City. The most common clinical symptoms of adenovirus-infected patients were dehydration (94%), abdominal pain (59%) and vomiting (30%). To our knowledge, this is the first 1-year molecular epidemiological research of adenovirus infection in Bangladesh.

• Oseltamivir-Resistant Influenza A Viruses Circulating in Japan.

  Authors: Daisuke Tamura, Keiko Mitamura, Masahiko Yamazaki, Motoko Fujino, Mari Nirasawa, Kazuhiro Kimura, Maki Kiso, Hideaki Shimizu, Chiharu Kawakami, Satoshi Hiroi, Kazuro Takahashi, Mami Hatta, Hiroko Minagawa, Yoshiaki Kimura, Satoko Kaneda, Shigeo Sugita, Taisuke Horimoto, Norio Sugaya, Yoshihiro Kawaoka

  Journal of clinical microbiology. 03/2009;

  Surveillance studies of influenza viruses circulating in Europe and other countries in 2007-2008 have revealed rates of resistance to oseltamivir of up to 67% among H1N1 viruses. Here, we examinedSurveillance studies of influenza viruses circulating in Europe and other countries in 2007-2008 have revealed rates of resistance to oseltamivir of up to 67% among H1N1 viruses. Here, we examined 202 clinical samples obtained from patients infected with H1N1 virus in Japan in 2007-2008 for oseltamivir resistance and found that three were oseltamivir-resistant (1.5%). The IC50 values, as measured by a sialidase inhibition assay of these drug-resistant viruses, were >100-fold higher than those of the non-resistant viruses (a median of 12.6 nmol/L). The His274Tyr (N2 numbering) mutation of the neuraminidase protein, which is known to confer oseltamivir resistance, was detected in these three isolates. A phylogenetic analysis showed that one virus belonged to a lineage that is composed of drug-resistant viruses isolated in Europe and North America and that the other two viruses independently emerged in Japan. Continued surveillance studies are necessary to observe whether these viruses will persist.

• [Evaluation of immunochromatographic detection kit using adenovirus Pt-Au colloid]

  Authors: Hideaki Shimizu, Yoko Ishimaru, Tsuguto Fujimoto

  Kansenshōgaku zasshi. The Journal of the Japanese Association for Infectious Diseases. 02/2009; 83(1):64-5.

• Monitoring of adenovirus from conjunctival scrapings in Japan during 2005--2006.

  Authors: Kiyohiko Matsui, Hideaki Shimizu, Atsushi Yoshida, Emi Nagaoka, Osamu Nishio, Kenji Okuda

  Journal of medical virology. 07/2008; 80(6):997-1003.

  A total of 189 conjunctival scrapings were collected from patients in Tokyo, Japan by monitoring adenovirus infection in community-based clinics during 2005 and 2006. Of the 189 samples, 155 (82%)A total of 189 conjunctival scrapings were collected from patients in Tokyo, Japan by monitoring adenovirus infection in community-based clinics during 2005 and 2006. Of the 189 samples, 155 (82%) had adenoviruses detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The serotypes were determined by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis, using a combination of endonucleases, such as HhaI, AluI, and HaeIII, and neutralization tests (NTs). PCR-RFLP identified five serotypes: serotype 3: 16.8%, serotype 4: 9.7%, serotype 8: 34.8%, serotype 11: 23.2%, and serotype 37: 15.5%. Adenovirus 8 was the most common serotype identified. A subset consisting of 25 isolates identified as adenovirus 8 from this study plus 25 isolates from Kawasaki were analyzed using PCR sequencing of the hexon gene. Compared with prototype adenovirus serotype 8 and serotype 9 derived in Tokyo and Kawasaki, these isolates shared 61.7-62.8% and 80.5-82.7% amino acid homology, respectively, suggesting that a variant adenovirus serotype 8 was involved in this outbreak, and is different from the prototype adenovirus 8 virus. This variant had not been detected in Japan prior to 1996 and appears to be the most common adenovirus type 8 involved in cases of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis in Japan at present.

• Extremely thermophilic translation system in the common ancestor commonote: ancestral mutants of Glycyl-tRNA synthetase from the extreme thermophile Thermus thermophilus.

  Authors: Hideaki Shimizu, Shin-ichi Yokobori, Takatoshi Ohkuri, Takashi Yokogawa, Kazuya Nishikawa, Akihiko Yamagishi

  Journal of molecular biology. 07/2007; 369(4):1060-9.

  Based on phylogenetic analysis of 16 S and 18 S rRNAs, the common ancestor of all organisms (Commonote) was proposed to be hyperthermophilic. We have previously tested this hypothesis using enzymesBased on phylogenetic analysis of 16 S and 18 S rRNAs, the common ancestor of all organisms (Commonote) was proposed to be hyperthermophilic. We have previously tested this hypothesis using enzymes with ancestral residues that are inferred by molecular phylogenetic analysis. The ancestral mutant enzymes involved in metabolic systems show higher thermal stability than wild-type enzymes, consistent with the hyperthermophile common ancestor hypothesis. Here, we have extended the experiments to include an enzyme of the translation system, glycyl-tRNA synthetase (GlyRS). The translation system often shows a phylogenetic tree that is similar to the rRNA tree. Thus, it is likely that the tree represents the evolutionary route of the organisms. The maximum-likelihood tree of alpha(2) type GlyRS was constructed. From this analysis the ancestral sequence of GlyRS was deduced and individual or pairs of ancestral residues were introduced into Thermus thermophilus GlyRS. The ancestral mutants were expressed in Escherichia coli, purified and activity measured. The thermostability of eight mutated proteins was evaluated by CD (circular dichroism) measurements. Six mutants showed higher thermostability than wild-type enzyme and seven mutants showed higher activity than wild-type enzyme at 70 degrees C, suggesting an extremely thermophilic translation system in the common ancestor Commonote.

• Emergence of influenza B viruses with reduced sensitivity to neuraminidase inhibitors.

  Authors: Shuji Hatakeyama, Norio Sugaya, Mutsumi Ito, Masahiko Yamazaki, Masataka Ichikawa, Kazuhiro Kimura, Maki Kiso, Hideaki Shimizu, Chiharu Kawakami, Kazuhiko Koike, Keiko Mitamura, Yoshihiro Kawaoka

  JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association. 05/2007; 297(13):1435-42.

  CONTEXT: Very little is known about the frequency of generation and transmissibility of influenza B viruses with reduced sensitivity to neuraminidase inhibitors. Furthermore, transmission ofCONTEXT: Very little is known about the frequency of generation and transmissibility of influenza B viruses with reduced sensitivity to neuraminidase inhibitors. Furthermore, transmission of resistant virus, whether influenza A or B, has not been recognized to date. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and transmissibility of influenza B viruses with reduced sensitivity to neuraminidase inhibitors. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: Investigation of the neuraminidase inhibitor sensitivity of influenza B isolates from 74 children before and after oseltamivir therapy and from 348 untreated patients with influenza (including 66 adults) seen at 4 community hospitals in Japan during the 2004-2005 influenza season. Four hundred twenty-two viruses from untreated patients and 74 samples from patients after oseltamivir therapy were analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Sialidase inhibition assay was used to test the drug sensitivities of influenza B viruses. The neuraminidase and hemagglutinin genes of viruses showing reduced sensitivity to neuraminidase inhibitors were sequenced to identify mutations that have the potential to confer reduced sensitivity to these drugs. RESULTS: In 1 (1.4%) of the 74 children who had received oseltamivir, we identified a variant with reduced drug sensitivity possessing a Gly402Ser neuraminidase substitution. We also identified variants with reduced sensitivity carrying an Asp198Asn, Ile222Thr, or Ser250Gly mutation in 7 (1.7%) of the 422 viruses from untreated patients. Review of the clinical and viral genetic information available on these 7 patients indicated that 4 were likely infected in a community setting, while the remaining 3 were probably infected through contact with siblings shedding the mutant viruses. CONCLUSIONS: In this population, influenza B viruses with reduced sensitivity to neuraminidase inhibitors do not arise as frequently as resistant influenza A viruses. However, they appear to be transmitted within communities and families, requiring continued close monitoring.

• An outbreak of adenovirus serotype 41 infection in infants and children with acute gastroenteritis in Maizuru City, Japan.

  Authors: Hideaki Shimizu, Tung Gia Phan, Shuichi Nishimura, Shoko Okitsu, Niwat Maneekarn, Hiroshi Ushijima

  Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases. 04/2007; 7(2):279-84.

  A total of 337 fecal specimens were collected from infants and children with acute gastroenteritis in Maizuru City, Japan from July 2004 to June 2005 and tested for the presence of rotavirus,A total of 337 fecal specimens were collected from infants and children with acute gastroenteritis in Maizuru City, Japan from July 2004 to June 2005 and tested for the presence of rotavirus, norovirus, sapovirus, astrovirus, and adenovirus by RT-multiplex PCR. Among diarrheal viruses detected, norovirus was the most prevalent (13.6%, 46 of 337), followed by adenovirus (8%, 27 of 337), group A rotavirus (5%, 17 of 337), astrovirus (1.8%, 6 of 337), and sapovirus (1.8%, 6 of 337), respectively. Adenovirus was subjected to molecular genetic analysis by sequencing. Adenovirus detected in this study was classified into five serotypes, namely Ad1, Ad2, Ad3, Ad5, and Ad41. Of these, Ad41 was the most predominant serotype that accounted for 85.2% (23 of 27). It was noteworthy to point out that Ad41 infection was apparently confined only to the period of 4 months (October 2004 through January 2005). This pattern of infection implied the outbreak of Ad41 in these subjects, which was the first outbreak of acute gastroenteritis attributed to adenovirus in Maizuru City, Japan. Another interesting feature of the study was the existence of two Ad41 subtypes co-circulating in this outbreak. This report confirmed the presence of adenovirus as one of an important cause of acute gastroenteritis among Japanese infants and children.

• Detection of dual-infected cases of adenoviruses and coxsackieviruses type B by real-time PCR but not by the conventional viral culture technique.

  Authors: Tsuguto Fujimoto, Michiyo Shinohara, Masahiro Ito, Teruo Okafuji, Takao Okafuji, Osamu Nishio, Hiromu Yoshida, Hideaki Shimizu, Masatsugu Chikahira, Gia Tung Phan, Hiroshi Ushijima

  Clinical laboratory. 01/2007; 53(9-12):605-9.

  The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of diagnostic methods for dual-infected cases of human adenoviruses (AdVs) and coxsackieviruses type B (CBs). For this purpose, 100The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of diagnostic methods for dual-infected cases of human adenoviruses (AdVs) and coxsackieviruses type B (CBs). For this purpose, 100 nasopharyngeal samples from patients with acute exudative tonsillitis and clinically suspected AdV infection were analyzed. Using PCR and real-time PCR techniques for AdVs and CBs, we found 86 AdVs-only positive samples; we also found five dual-infected samples containing 5.4 x 10(5) to 7.1 x 10(8) copies/mL of AdV genomes and 1.4x104 to 1.3 x 10(9) copies/mL of CB genomes. By viral culture using A549 cells, two co-infected samples, which contained over 10(8) copies/mL of AdV genomes and <10(5) copies/mL of CB genomes, became AdV dominant, while three samples with less than 2.0 x 10(6) copies/mL of AdV genomes became CB dominant. An immunochromatography kit for diagnosing AdVs at the bedside was positive for 3/5 dual-infected patients, and PCR techniques for AdVs and CBs were both positive for 5/5. Viral culture is usually considered to be the gold standard for AdV diagnosis, but our results demonstrate the importance of PCR applications for the detection of AdV and CB genomes, particularly in clinical cases of suspected AdV infection. Even though the sample size of dual infection (n=5) is small, our results show the existence of dual infection cases which were difficult to diagnose by viral culture alone.

• First isolation of influenza B virus in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan in the 2005-2006 season.

  Authors: Hideaki Shimizu, Keiko Okuyama, Yoshie Hirai, Masayuki Ogawa

  Japanese journal of infectious diseases. 05/2006; 59(2):143-4.

• Human adenovirus type 1 related to feline adenovirus: evidence of interspecies transmission.

  Authors: Tung Gia Phan, Hideaki Shimizu, Shuichi Nishimura, Shoko Okitsu, Niwat Maneekarn, Hiroshi Ushijima

  Clinical laboratory. 02/2006; 52(9-10):515-8.

  Adenovirus is recognized to be a significant global enteropathogen in association with sporadic cases as well as outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis in humans. Based on the genetic analysis, oneAdenovirus is recognized to be a significant global enteropathogen in association with sporadic cases as well as outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis in humans. Based on the genetic analysis, one adenovirus strain bearing feline adenovirus gene was detected in a fecal specimen collected from a 1-year old female child with acute gastroenteritis in Japan. The human adenovirus detected and feline adenovirus shared high identities (100% and 97%) at the amino acid levels of hexon and fiber genes, respectively, and they belonged to the same human Ad1 cluster (known as the prototype Adenoid 71). These findings suggest that the interspecies transmission of adenovirus between humans and felines might occur in nature. This report is noteworthy because it is the first, to the best of our knowledge, providing evidence of adenovirus type 1 transmission between humans and animals, and highlights possible zoonoses in humans. Further epidemiological studies should be conducted to determine whether this adenovirus strain will be emergent in future.

• Epidemic of hand, foot and mouth disease in Kawasaki City, Japan.

  Authors: Hideaki Shimizu, Keiko Okuyama, Yoshie Hirai

  Japanese journal of infectious diseases. 11/2005; 58(5):330-1.

• Identification of enteroviral infection among infants and children admitted to hospital with acute gastroentritis in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

  Authors: Tung Gia Phan, Tuan Anh Nguyen, Hideaki Shimizu, Fumihiro Yagyu, Shoko Okitsu, Werner E G Müller, Hiroshi Ushijima

  Journal of medical virology. 11/2005; 77(2):257-64.

  A total of 276 fecal specimens collected from infants and children admitted to hospital with acute gastroenteritis in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from October 2002 to September 2003, were tested forA total of 276 fecal specimens collected from infants and children admitted to hospital with acute gastroenteritis in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from October 2002 to September 2003, were tested for the presence of enteroviruses by RT-PCR and virus isolation. Enteroviruses were detected in 27 patients by RT-PCR corresponding to 9.8%. However, only four enterovirus strains could be isolated by cell culture with two different cell lines CaCo2 and Vero, showing specific cytopathic effect (CPE). The results clearly indicate that RT-PCR is a sensitive, specific assay to investigate the true burden of acute gastroenteritis due to enteroviruses in clinical fecal specimens. In the present study, enteroviruses were identified throughout the year except in May and the highest number was in December. Enteroviruses were subjected to molecular analysis by sequencing. It was found that enterovirus strains detected were classified further into two distinct genetic clusters (I, II) and demonstrated the great genetic diversity among them. Based on genetic analysis, 5' noncoding region (5' NCR) sequences suggested the predominant presence of Vietnamese enteroviruses with the greatest similarities to coxsakieviruses (51.9%) and echoviruses (29.6%). Interestingly, two of the sequenced specimens of enteroviruses were similar to a new strain called enterovirus 74. This report is the first detection of enteroviral infection in feces from infants and children admitted to hospital with acute gastroenteritis in Vietnam.

• Molecular epidemiology of adenovirus infection among pediatric population with diarrhea in Asia.

  Authors: Lei Li, Tung Gia Phan, Tuan Anh Nguyen, Kyo Sun Kim, Jeong Kee Seo, Hideaki Shimizu, Eiko Suzuki, Shoko Okitsu, Hiroshi Ushijima

  Microbiology and immunology. 02/2005; 49(2):121-8.

  A total of 3,577 fecal specimens from infants and children with acute gastroenteritis in Japan, Korea and Vietnam during 1998 and 2001 were tested for adenovirus by the ELISA method. Of these,A total of 3,577 fecal specimens from infants and children with acute gastroenteritis in Japan, Korea and Vietnam during 1998 and 2001 were tested for adenovirus by the ELISA method. Of these, adenovirus was detected in 158 (4.4%). The detection rate of adenovirus was highest in Korea (8.7%, 20/231) followed by 5.0% (100/1,991) in Japan and 2.8% (38/1,355) in Vietnam. All adenoviruses were further serotyped by PCR-RFLP. The diversity of adenovirus serotypes including Ad2, 3, 5, 8, 31, 40 and 41 was demonstrated. Worth of note was a decrease in the rate of isolation of Ad40 (7.6%, 12/158) and a concomitant increase of Ad41 (63.9%, 101/158) to become the predominant serotype. Another interesting feature of the study was the presence of Ad3 (4.0% and 30%) and Ad8 (8.0% and 20%) in Japan and Korea, respectively, which is mainly associated with keratoconjunctivitis worldwide. Our result underscored the importance of adenovirus in association with acute gastroenteritis in Asian countries.