title: Isolation & molecular characterization of human parainfluenza virus in Chennai, India.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Human parainfluenza virus (HPIV) accounts for a significant proportion of lower respiratory tract infections in children as well as adults. This study was done to detect the presence of different subtypes of HPIV from patients having influenza like illness (ILI).
  
  
  METHODS
  Throat and nasal swabs from 232 patients with ILI who were negative for influenza viruses were tested by multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(mRT-PCR) for the detection of human parainfluenza virus. All samples were inoculated in rhesus monkey kidney (LLC-MK2) cell line.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 232 samples, 26(11.2%) were positive by mRT-PCR and nine (34.6%) showed cytopathic effect with syncytium formation for HPIV and all were HPIV-3 serotype, other serotypes like 1,2,4 were negative. The HPIV-3 strains (HN gene) were sequenced and analysed. Two novel mutations were identified at amino acid residues 295 and 297.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The mRT-PCR assay offers a rapid, sensitive and accurate diagnostic method for detection of HPIV which enables early detection and control. In our study there was a predominance of HPIV among 1-5 yr age group and the school going age group was less affected. Further studies need to be done to characterize HPIV isolated from different parts of the country.
authors.forename: C P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Indumathi
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gunanasekaran
authors.affiliation: Department of Virology, King Institute of Preventive Medicine & Research, Chennai, India.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kaveri
authors.forename: Kavita
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Arunagiri
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mohana
authors.forename: A Khaleefathullah
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Sheriff
authors.forename: B V
authors.initials: BV
authors.lastname: SureshBabu
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Padmapriya
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Senthilraja
authors.forename: Gracy
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fathima
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D010222:Parainfluenza Virus 1, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D010223:Parainfluenza Virus 2, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D018184:Paramyxoviridae Infections / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000821:virology*