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Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
Published on: January 28, 2019
Molecular characterization and genotyping of human rotavirus strains in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire
Veronique Akran1, I Peenze, C Akoua-Koffi
1Institut Pasteur, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, South Africa.
Insights
This study analyzed human rotavirus strains from children with diarrhea in Cote d'Ivoire between 2000-2004. Group A rotavirus was common, with G1 being the most prevalent VP7 genotype and P[6]/P[8] the most common VP4 types.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Acute gastroenteritis in infants and young children is a significant global health concern.
- Human rotavirus (HRV) is a leading cause of severe diarrheal disease in this age group.
- Understanding circulating HRV strains is crucial for vaccine development and public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize human rotavirus strains, including VP7 and VP4 genotypes, from children with acute diarrhea in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.
- To determine the prevalence of different rotavirus strains during the 2000-2004 period.
- To compare rotavirus diversity in Cote d'Ivoire with other West African countries.
Main Methods:
- Collection and analysis of 719 fecal specimens from children aged 1-60 months with acute infantile gastroenteritis.
- Detection of group A rotavirus antigen using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
- RNA extraction, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) for electropherotyping, and VP4/VP7 genotyping.
Main Results:
- Group A rotavirus antigen was detected in 28.9% of specimens.
- VP7 genotype G1 strains were most common (53%), followed by G2 (22%) and G3 (5%).
- VP4 genotypes P[6] and P[8] circulated at similar levels (33%), with significant proportions of untypeable strains for both VP7 and VP4.
Conclusions:
- Human rotavirus, particularly genotype G1, is a common cause of acute diarrhea in young children in Cote d'Ivoire.
- The observed strain diversity is comparable to that in other West African nations.
- Continuous surveillance of rotavirus strains is essential for effective disease control and prevention.
Abstract:
In this study, we characterized human rotavirus strains recovered from infants and young children with acute diarrhea in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, during 2000-2004. In total, 719 fecal specimens were collected from children aged 1-60 months with acute infantile gastroenteritis. Examination with a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed the presence of group A rotavirus antigen in 208 diarrheal specimens (28.9%). Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the RNA extracted from rotavirus-positive stools yielded a variety of "long" and "short" RNA electropherotypes, which were used to help select strains for VP4 and VP7 genotyping. VP7 genotype G1 strains were circulating most commonly during the study period (53%), followed by G2 (22%) and G3 (5%) strains. Strains with multiple VP7 genotype reactivity were observed in 7.6% of specimens, and a similar number (8%) could not be typed at all. VP4 P[6] and P[8] strains circulated at similar levels (33%). Strains demonstrating multiple VP4 types were quite common (9%); however, 20% of the strains were untypeable by the methods used. Rotavirus strain diversity in Cote d'Ivoire was similar to that observed in other West African countries.
