Database on molecular detection, Partial nucleocapsid gene sequences, Hematological parameters, and Cytokine response of Human torovirus among Iraqi children with gastroenteritis
Description
Human Toroviruses (HToVs) are enteric viruses associated with gastroenteritis in humans and animals, but information regarding their circulation and genetic diversity remains limited, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to investigate the molecular detection and phylogenetic relationships of HToV among Iraqi children with gastroenteritis. A total of 200 stool samples were collected from pediatric patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in Baghdad, Iraq, between December 2023 and August 2024. Viral RNA was detected using one-step Real Time‒qPCR. Selected positive samples were further analyzed using conventional RT-PCR targeting the nucleocapsid (N) gene, followed by Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. HToV RNA was detected in 40 (20%) samples. The most common clinical findings among positive cases were watery diarrhea (100%), abdominal pain (100%), fever (85%) and vomiting (77.5%). Hematological analysis showed increased lymphocyte percentage and platelet count, with decreased percentage and hemoglobin level compared with controls. Serum INFγ, IL6, and CRP levels were significantly elevated in infected children. The data analysis of sequencing revealed high nucleotide identity (~99%) with previous reported human totrovirus strains. While, lower similarity was reported with animal-derived strains. Phylogenetic analysis reported clustering of the Iraqi isolates within-associated torovirus lineages. These findings provide the first combined molecular, immunological, hematological, and phylogenetic data on HToV in Iraqi children and highlight the importance of including tororvirus in routine surveillance of pediatric gastroenteritis.
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Steps to reproduce
The nucleocapsid (N) gene nucleotide sequences obtained in this study were submitted to the (GenBank) databases under accession numbers (PZ261791, PZ261792, PZ261793, PZ261794, and PZ261795), and will be released for public access upon publication.
Institutions
- University of BaghdadBaghdad, Baghdad