The nucleotide sequence of human rhinovirus 1B: molecular relationships within the rhinovirus genus.

We have determined the complete nucleotide sequence of human rhinovirus 1B and made comparisons with other rhinoviruses. Extensive homology was found with serotypes 2 and 89 but the similarity to serotype 14 was considerably less. Rhinovirus-specific characteristics have been noted, in particular the length of the 5' non-coding region and the pattern of codon usage, and these may be sufficient to define the rhinoviruses as a distinct genus rather than being considered as members of the enteroviruses as has been suggested previously.