Antigenic and genetic variability of human respiratory syncytial viruses (group A) isolated in Uruguay and Argentina: 1993-2001.

The antigenic and genetic diversity of G glycoprotein from 25 human respiratory viruses (group A) isolated during nine consecutive epidemics (1993-2001) in Montevideo, Uruguay, and 7 strains isolated in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in the same period were analyzed. Genetic variability was evaluated by partial sequence of the G protein gene. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that most Uruguayan and Argentinean group A isolates clustered into three genotypes: GA5, GA2, and GA1. Some strains clustered into the GA3 genotype characterized previously. The antigenic analysis was carried out with a panel of anti-G monoclonal antibodies that recognized conserved and strain-specific epitopes. A close correlation between the antigenic and genetic relatedness of the strains analyzed was observed.