title: Antigenic diversity of respiratory syncytial virus subgroup B strains circulating during a community outbreak of infection.
abstract: The epidemiological characteristics and relationship between respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) subgroup and virulence during an outbreak of RSV infection occurring in Southeast Texas in the winter season 1991/92 are described. Fifty-two infants and children were diagnosed with RSV infection by rapid viral antigen detection and/or viral isolation. Subgrouping of the isolates was carried out using 11-monoclonal anti-bodies. Ten isolates were found to be subgroup B, and 8 isolates were subgroup A. The subgroup B strains showed 3 different patterns of reaction with monoclonal antibodies; one of these subgroups was examined further by restriction analysis of parts of its nucleocapsid and attachment protein genes. The peak of RSV outbreak was in December 1991. Both subtypes A and B circulated simultaneously in the same territory, and caused lower respiratory tract infections in similar proportions. The more frequent occurrence of the B subgroup and the diversity of its simultaneously circulated RSV strains have made this outbreak unusual.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555-0371.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mlinaric-Galinovic
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Chonmaitree
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Cane
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Pringle
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Ogra
mesh_terms: D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005814:Genes, Viral; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D018113:Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D013781:Texas / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000956:Antigens, Viral