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Rotavirus serotype G3 predominates in horses
G F Browning1, R M Chalmers, T A Fitzgerald
1Mordun Research Institute, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Group A rotavirus strains from foals exhibit unique characteristics compared to other mammals. Most strains shared similar electropherotypes and were predominantly serotype G3, with many unassignable to known subgroups.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Equine Health
- Microbiology
Background:
- Group A rotaviruses (GARV) are significant enteric pathogens in foals.
- Understanding the molecular epidemiology of GARV in foals is crucial for disease control.
- Previous characterization of equine rotaviruses suggests distinct features.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize foal fecal group A rotavirus strains.
- To determine electropherotypic, serotypic, and subgroup profiles.
- To compare these profiles with rotaviruses from other mammalian species.
Main Methods:
- Electropherotyping of viral RNA gene segments.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for VP7 antigen serotyping.
- ELISAs for VP6 antigen subgrouping.
Main Results:
- 98% of 86 electropherotyped strains showed similar profiles, with distinct gene migration patterns.
- Of 70 serotyped strains, 63% were G3 (39% G3A, 24% G3B), 4% were G13, and 33% were untypeable.
- Other common serotypes (G1, G2, G4, G5, G6, G9, G10, G14) were not detected.
- Only 12% of 50 subgrouped strains could be assigned to subgroup I or II; 88% were unassignable.
Conclusions:
- Foal fecal group A rotavirus strains possess distinct electropherotypic and serotypic profiles.
- The predominant serotype G3 and unusual subgrouping patterns differentiate them from rotaviruses of other mammals.
- These findings highlight the need for further investigation into equine rotavirus diversity and classification.