Sequence comparison of the VP7 of serotype G2 rotaviruses from diverse geographical locations

The sequences of the genes encoding the outer capsid glycoprotein, VP7, of twelve serotype G2 rotavirus isolates from Australia were determined. The deduced amino acid sequences were compared by phylogenetic analysis to published sequences from strains collected from various geographical locations worldwide between 1976 an 1993. This analysis showed that geographical clustering of strains was apparent and that most strains were distantly related to strain DS1 whose VP7 is included in the rhesus rotavirus tetravalent vaccine formulation. Comparisons of the neutralization epitope regions of VP7 also indicated that most strains might exhibit antigenic differences to DS1. These results have implications for the development of future vaccine strategies.