A PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay to genotype human metapneumovirus

Abstract

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) genotypesA and B show epidemiological and probably clinical differences. This report describes a fast and simple PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay, involving digestion of the fusion protein gene with Tsp 509I, that allows lineagesA1, A2, B1 and B2 to be distinguished. The assay should help in elucidating the epidemiology of hMPV, and possibly in predicting the severity of clinical infection. © 2007 The Authors Journal Compilation © 2007 European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.