Seroprevalence and molecular epidemiology of enterovirus 71 in Germany.
Enterovirus 71 (EV71) has emerged as a significant pathogen with potential to cause large outbreaks. Because little is known about its seroprevalence and molecular epidemiology in Germany, data for 1997-2007 are presented. Four hundred thirty-six sera from persons aging 10 months to 75 years were tested in a neutralisation test; 63.4% of pre-school children were seronegative, whereas about 75% of adults had antibodies to EV71. Phylogenetic analysis of 28 isolates associated with neurological or cutaneous manifestations showed that isolates belonging to genogroup C1 predominated in 2000-2005, followed by a change to genogroup C2 in 2006 and 2007. This shows the importance of monitoring the diversity of one of the most relevant neurotropic enteroviruses.
Diedrich
Sabine
S
Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany. Diedrichs@rki.de
Weinbrecht
Anna
A
Schreier
Eckart
E
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004770:Enterovirus / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics; D029821:Enterovirus A, Human / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D004769:Enterovirus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005243:Feces / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D014644:Genetic Variation; D005838:Genotype; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010802:Phylogeny; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies