No sequence variation in part of the hexon and the fibre genes of adenovirus 8 isolated from patients with conjunctivitis or epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) in Norway during 1989 to 1996

Background/Aims-Several local epidemics of keratoconjunctivitis/conjunctivi tis caused by adenovirus type 8 (Ad8) occurred in Norway from August 1995 t o May 1996. A smaller epidemic occurred in 1992. The Ads hexon forms the su rface of the virion and contains the hypervariable regions loop I-1 and loo p I-2. The fibre mediates the primary contact with cells. Sequence variatio n in hexon and fibre genes might play an important role in the pathogenicit y of adenoviruses. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic var iability at the hexon and fibre genes in 26 strains of Ad8 isolated from 19 89 to 1996. Methods-The genetic variability of 26 strains of Ads isolated from 1989 to 1996 was studied by sequencing part of the hexon and fibre genes. The Ads s equences were compared with each other and with two Ads strains from the EM BL database. In addition, 14 of the 26 isolates were subjected to restricti on endonuclease analysis. Results-No significant sequence variation was seen during the six year peri od. Conclusion-The Ads strains causing epidemics of keratoconjunctivitis/ conju nctivitis in Norway are genetically stable.