Identification and characterization of a newly discovered reovirus strain

In this study, we report the identification and characterization of a new Reovirus strain isolated from the spinal fluid of a human patient. Unlike other reovirus serotypes that can be isolated from fecal matter, this strain was isolated from the spinal fluid of a patient; which suggests it may be a more pathogenic strain. The new isolate was compared to the three known strains of mammalian reoviruses. We have found that the virus is not a reassortment of the other three serotypes. This was confirmed by examination of the migration rates of the genomic dsRNA segments of all four viruses. The new isolate demonstrated measurable differences in viral protein molecular weights, when compared to the proteins of the three known serotypes. The molecular weight of the sigma I protein of the new isolate, was found to be more then 3Kd smaller then sigma 1 obtained from the other three serotypes. The largest difference in protein molecular weights was found with mu1C, which was about 7Kd smaller. The growth rate of the new virus was very similar to that of the other three serotypes. Some differences were found in select cell lines.