Serotypes and subgroups of rotavirus isolated from children in central Brazil

Group A rotavirus, obtained from children of Goiânia, Brazil, during 1987-1994, were analyzed for subgroup and G serotype by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with monoclonal antibodies. The index of serotyping obtained was 61.4% with the following proportions: G1--19.7%, G2--28.0%, G3--9.8%, G4--1.5%, and G5--2.3%. It was observed that G1 occurred from 1987 to 1989 and from 1993 to 1994, and G2 from 1990 to 1993. About 94% of the samples (85/90) could be subgrouped with the following results: 55.5% for SG II, 7.8% SG I, and 31.1% for SG non-I-non-II. Unusual relationship patterns were also detected among serotypes, subgroups, and profiles of electropherotypes in 57.0% of the samples: 20 of them were G2/SG II/"long" profile. The results suggest that variation in temporal and regional characteristics should be considered in the development of rotavirus vaccine.