Distribution of human group a rotavirus VP7 and VP4 types circulating in Seoul, Korea between 1998 and 2000
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Updated: Sep 26, 2026
Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
Published on: January 28, 2019
Mi-Ok Song1, Ki-Jung Kim, Sang-In Chung
1Department of Microbiology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Insights
Group A rotavirus infections are common in young children with diarrhea. This study identified G4 and P[8] as dominant types in Korea, noting unusual G and P type combinations.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrheal disease in young children globally.
- Understanding circulating rotavirus strains is crucial for vaccine development and public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the G and P types of group A rotavirus in young children with acute diarrhea in Seoul, Korea.
- To identify common and unusual G and P type combinations.
Main Methods:
- Fecal specimens from 348 children with acute diarrhea were collected between January 1998 and February 2000.
- Group A rotavirus was confirmed using ELISA for VP6 antigen detection.
- G serotyping (VP7) and P genotyping (VP4) were performed using ELISA and RT-PCR.
Main Results:
- 205 of 348 specimens (59%) were positive for group A rotavirus.
- The dominant G serotype was G4 (41%), followed by G1 (28%). Mixed G infections occurred in 14% of cases.
- The dominant P genotype was P[8] (46%) among 55 isolates genotyped.
- Unusual G and P type combinations, including P[4] with non-G2 serotypes and P[6] isolates, were detected.
Conclusions:
- G4 and P[8] were the predominant rotavirus types circulating in Seoul, Korea, during 1998-2000.
- The study identified novel G and P type combinations, highlighting the genetic diversity of rotavirus in the region.
- These findings contribute to the epidemiological surveillance of rotavirus and inform vaccine efficacy assessments.
Abstract:
Three hundred forty-eight fecal specimens collected from young children with acute diarrhea in Seoul, Korea between January 1998 and February 2000 were examined for G and P types. Of these, 205 samples (59%) were confirmed as group A rotavirus by ELISA for the detection of VP6 antigen. Confirmed rotavirus isolates were characterized using G serotyping ELISA and RT-PCR methodologies for G and P genotyping of the outer capsid proteins VP7 and VP4, respectively. Serotyping of the outer capsid protein, VP7, revealed G4 as the dominant circulating serotype (41%) followed by G1 (28%) and quite a high incidence of mixed infection (14%). Genotyping of the VP4 protein was carried out on 55 of the rotavirus isolates with the dominant type being P[8] (46%). Of interest were a number of unusual G and P type combinations detected in Korea for the first time, especially the P[4] genotype associated with non-G2 serotypes. There were also a number of P[6] isolates identified including one G2P[6] isolate.
