Multiplex polymerase chain reaction for subgenus-specific detection of human adenoviruses in clinical samples.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been used previously for the detection and typing of adenoviruses directly in clinical samples. Since under clinical conditions subgenus-specific identification is often sufficient, we extended the genus- and type-specific PCR by a subgenus-specific PCR. By sequencing several loop I4 gene regions of the hexon (major adenovirus coat protein) and comparing them to published sequences, subgenus-specific sequences were identified in this region.

Molecular characterization of hemagglutination domains on the fibers of subgenus D adenoviruses.

The adenovirus fiber mediates the agglutination of erythrocytes. Based on differential hemagglutinating properties, subgenus D adenoviruses can be subdivided into clusters DI, DII, and DIII. While subgenus DI adenoviruses agglutinate rat and human erythrocytes, DII adenoviruses simply agglutinate rat erythrocytes and DIII adenoviruses display no or only weak rat erythrocyte agglutination.

Conserved sequences in the fibers of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis associated human adenoviruses.

The fiber gene sequences of the human adenovirus types 19 and 37 were determined. The predicted polypeptides exposed a high homology. Ad8, Ad19, and Ad37 can cause epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC), whereas Ad9 only infrequently causes acute follicular conjunctivitis.

Hexon sequence of adenovirus type 7 and comparison with other serotypes of subgenus B.

The hexon gene of human adenovirus (AV) type 7 (subgenus B) was sequenced. The determined nucleotide and the predicted amino acid sequences were compared to the corresponding sequences of AV3 and AV16. The hexons of AV7 and AV3 revealed an overall homology of 94.

Sequence characterization and comparison of human adenovirus subgenus B and E hexons.

The hexon genes of human adenovirus (AV) types 3, 16 (both subgenus B), and 4 (subgenus E) were sequenced and the nucleotide and predicted amino acid sequences were compared. We observed a high degree of homology between the three serotypes and thus could confirm the close evolutionary relationship of subgenera B and E which was previously inferred after comparing other genome regions. Employing the three-dimensional model of the AV2 hexon, the structures of the three hexons were predicted.