Objective: Human enteroviruses (HEVs) are a common causative agent of gastrointestinal or respiratory infections. In this study, to examine the genotypic diversity and characteristics of HEVs associated with patients in Seoul, we collected and analyzed stool and throat swab samples taken from patients with acute gastroenteritis or a common cold from 2011 to 2012. We researched the difference in genetic characteristics of HEVs from gastroenteritis and respiratory patients. Methods: For genetic analysis, we amplified the 5’-noncoding region and partial VP1 region of HEVs by RTPCR. The genotypes of HEVs were further identified based on nucleotide sequences of the VP1 region. Results: The majority of the HEV infections in Seoul occurred from June to August. The molecular characteristic assay showed that although the majority of HEVs can be propagated by a fecal-oral route, Coxsackievirus A2 (n=13, 19.4%) , A4 (n=8, 11.9%), and A5 (n=4, 6.0%) can be preferentially transmitted by a respiratory route. Conclusions: This Enterovirus surveillance system plays an important role in preparing for a severe outbreak. The genotypic characteristics of HEV may provide potentially useful data needed for epidemiological studies.
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