A novel varicella-zoster virus gE mutation discovered in two Swedish isolates.
BACKGROUND
Two VZV glycoprotein E (gE D150N) mutant strains were collected in North America in 1995 and in 1999. We now report a novel VZV gE mutant virus discovered in Europe in two VZV strains collected in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1990 and 1999.


OBJECTIVE
To characterize the two isolates identified among a total of 634 VZV isolates collected over a 15-year period at the Karolinska University Hospital.


METHODS
VZV genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and their sequences were compared to the genomic sequence of VZV-Dumas prototype strain.


RESULTS
A mutation within the gE gene in an epitope recognized by the 3B3 monoclonal antibody was identified in both isolates. A different residue was changed (R152S) compared to the North American strains (D150N).


CONCLUSIONS
The occurrence of a VZV gE mutant virus is unusual, but probably a recurring event in Europe and North America. It is unknown whether widespread varicella vaccination programs will alter the rate at which these mutant viruses are isolated.
Wirgart
Benita Zweygberg
BZ
Department of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska University Hospital, L2:02, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden. benita.zweygberg-wirgart@karolinska.se
Estrada
Victor
V
Jackson
Wallen
W
Linde
Annika
A
Grose
Charles
C
D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins / Q000235:genetics*
D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins; C056913:glycoprotein E, varicella-zoster virus