Increase in prevalence of human group A rotavirus G9 strains as an important VP7 genotype among children in eastern India

Abstract

In addition to four globally important group A rotavirus (GARV) VP7 genotypes (GI-G4), recent surveillance studies have revealed importance of G9 strains as an aetiological agent of infantile diarrhoea. Objective: Detection and genotyping of GARVs from children, admitted with gastroenteritis to Dr. B.C. Roy Memorial Hospital for Children, Kolkata, India. Study design: GARVs were detected in stool specimens by RNA electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels. G-and P-genotyping were performed by seminested multiplex PCR assays. VP7 gene ofrotavirUs G9 and G12 strains were sequenced for further analysis. May 2005-December 2006), G- and P-genotyping were successfully Results: Of 249 GARV strains (n = 668, May 2005-December 2006), G-and P-genotyping were successfully accomplished For 197 and 204 samples, respectively. G1 (41.6%) was most prevalent G-genotype followed by G2 (33%), G12 (14.2%), G9 (10.1%) and mixed genotype (1%). Prevalent P-genotypes were P[8] (54.4%), P[4](31.4%), P[6] (7.3%) and mixed genotype (6.9%). overall, G1P[8], G2P[4], G9P[8], G12P[8] and G12P[6] were identified as important G-P combinations. Phylogenetic analysis of 13 G9 Strains revealed Clustering within G9 lineage III. Nine of 28 G 12 strains were sequenced and exhibited phylogenetic clustering with previously reported G12 strains from Kolkata. Conclusion: In comparison to Our previous data (2003 to April 2005), G9 and G2P[41 strains established themselves in a short time span as important genotypes in eastern India. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.