The Molecular Epidemiology and Clinical Phylogenetics of Rhinoviruses
among Paediatric Cases in Sydney, Australia.
Abstract
Background Rhinoviruses (RV) represent the most common aetiological
agent of all acute respiratory tract infections across all age groups
and a significant burden of disease among children. Recent studies have
shown that RV-A and RV-C species are associated with varying degrees of
disease severity and clinical symptoms. Methods In this study, we
uncovered potential associations between RV species and subtypes, and
clinical disease severity using a matched dataset of 52 RV isolates
sampled from children (<18 years) in Sydney, Australia between
2006 and 2009 using epidemiological and phylogenetic methods. Results We
found that RV-C was significantly more likely to be isolated from
paediatric cases under two years of age compared to RV-A, although no
significant differences in recorded symptoms were observed. Significant
phylogenetic-trait associations between age and the VP4/VP2 capsid
protein phylogeny suggests age-specific variations in infectivity among
subtypes might also be possible. Conclusions This study adds to the
growing body of epidemiological evidence concerning RV. Improving
surveillance and testing for RV, including routine whole genome
sequencing may improve our understanding of the varied diseashe outcomes
of RV species and subtypes. Future studies could aim to identify
specific genetic markers associated with age-specific infectivity of RV
which could inform treatment practices and public health surveillance of
RV.