A 5TH HUMAN CYTOMEGALOVIRUS GLYCOPROTEIN-B GENOTYPE

Genetic variation in glycoprotein B (gB) may play a role in human cyto megalovirus (HCMV) pathogenesis. Using restriction endonuclease digest ion and DNA sequencing, a unique gB genotype was identified in eight H CMV strains isolated from five patients with the acquired immune defic iency syndrome. Nucleic acid homology to the four previously described gB genotypes ranged from 79 to 91% for the two major variable regions of gB, Studies of the role of gB in HCMV pathogenesis should recogniz e the existence of live gB genotypes.