ETD Collection

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://wiredspace.wits.ac.za/handle/10539/104


Please note: Digitised content is made available at the best possible quality range, taking into consideration file size and the condition of the original item. These restrictions may sometimes affect the quality of the final published item. For queries regarding content of ETD collection please contact IR specialists by email : IR specialists or Tel : 011 717 4652 / 1954

Follow the link below for important information about Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Library Guide about ETD

Browse

Filters

20041

Settings

Author: search.filters.author.Agenbach., Elizabeth.Subject: search.filters.subject.Pneumonia

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Role of molecular evolution in respiratory syncytial virus antigenic proteins during annual epidemics in South Africa
    (2004-05-28) Agenbach., Elizabeth.
    Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of pneumonia in children worldwide and there is currently no vaccine available. Molecular analysis of annual RSV epidemics in Soweto (1997 to 2000), revealed co-circulation and displacement of dominant genotypes. However in 1999 to 2000, one genotype GA2, predominated. To further elucidate the molecular epidemiology of RSV in South Africa the 2001 RSV epidemic in Soweto was characterised. Phylogenetic analysis of the G-protein revealed subtype B dominance (89%). Sequences clustered in genotypes GA2, GA5, SAA1, GB3, SAB1 and SAB3. SAB3 dominanted (69%) followed by SAB1 (18%), thereby displacing GA2, which dominated the previous two seasons. Evidence of positive selection may account for the genetic variability observed and may contribute to the reestablishment of annual epidemics. To investigate if this influences evolution of other RSV antigenic proteins the F-protein of South African genotypes was characterised. Most amino acid differences identified within known neutralising and CTL epitopes were conserved within subtype A, and although this does not suggest immune selection these epitopes may not be recognised efficiently by antibodies or CTL specific to subtype B viruses