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10:49
Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
Published on: January 28, 2019
Zoonotic aspects of rotaviruses
V Martella1, Krisztián Bányai, Jelle Matthijnssens
1Department of Veterinary Public Health, University of Bari, Bari, Italy. v.martella@veterinaria.uniba.it
Veterinary Microbiology
|September 29, 2009
Summary
Group A rotaviruses (GARVs) cause significant child deaths and livestock illness globally. Genetic analysis reveals frequent interspecies transmission and adaptation between human and animal GARV strains.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Rotaviruses are significant enteric pathogens affecting both humans and animals.
- Group A rotaviruses (GARVs) are a leading cause of childhood mortality, particularly in developing nations.
- Rotavirus-associated enteritis poses a substantial threat to livestock, especially young calves and piglets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic heterogeneity of human and animal Group A rotavirus strains.
- To explore the evolutionary intersections and interspecies transmission events between human and animal rotaviruses.
Main Methods:
- Complete genome sequencing of human and animal GARV strains.
- Comparative genomic analysis to identify genetic variations and reassortment events.
- Epidemiological data review of GARV in human and animal populations.
Main Results:
- Striking genetic heterogeneity was observed across the 11 double-stranded RNA segments of different rotavirus strains.
- Evidence suggests frequent interspecies transmission between human and animal rotaviruses.
- Multiple, repeated events of transmission and subsequent adaptation drive viral evolution.
Conclusions:
- Human and animal rotaviruses share complex evolutionary pathways.
- Understanding interspecies transmission is crucial for controlling rotavirus infections in both humans and animals.
- Ongoing genetic exchange necessitates continuous surveillance and vaccine development efforts.
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