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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
Published on: January 28, 2019
Detection and full genomic analysis of G6P[9] human rotavirus in Japan
Dai Yamamoto1, Mitsuyo Kawaguchiya, Souvik Ghosh
1Departments of Hygiene and Pediatrics, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S-1 W-17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan. daiy@spa.att.ne.jp
Abstract:
A rare genotype G6P[9] was identified in two human group A rotavirus strains designated as KF14 and KF17, that were detected in stool specimens from children with diarrhea in Japan. VP7 gene sequences of these two strains were identical and genetically closely related to G6 human rotavirus strains reported in European countries and the United States. To our knowledge, this is the first report of detection of a G6 human rotavirus in Japan. For further genetic analysis to elucidate the origin of the G6 rotavirus, nearly full-length sequences of all 11 RNA segments were determined for the KF17 strain. The complete genomic constellation of KF17 was determined as G6-P[9]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A3-N2-T3-E3-H3, a novel genotype constellation for human rotavirus. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that VP6, VP1-3, and NSP2 genes of KF17 clustered with bovine-like G6 human strains and some animal strains into sub-lineages distinct from those of common DS-1-like G2 human rotaviruses. On the other hand, KF17 genes encoding VP4, NSP1, and NSP3-5 showed high sequence identities to the human G3P[9] strain AU-1, and clustered with AU-1 and some feline strains within the same lineage. These findings suggested that the G6P[9] human rotavirus detected in Japan may have occurred through reassortment among uncommon bovine-like human rotaviruses and human/feline AU-1-like rotaviruses.
Insights
A rare G6P[9] rotavirus genotype was found in Japan, marking the first detection of G6 human rotavirus there. Genetic analysis revealed a novel constellation suggesting reassortment between bovine-like and feline-like rotaviruses.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Genetics
- Public Health
Background:
- Rotavirus A (RVA) is a leading cause of severe diarrheal disease in children globally.
- Genotyping of RVA strains is crucial for understanding transmission dynamics and developing effective vaccines.
- Previous RVA surveillance in Japan has not reported the G6 genotype in humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the detection and characterization of a rare G6P[9] human rotavirus genotype in Japan.
- To elucidate the genomic constellation and potential origin of the identified G6P[9] strains.
Main Methods:
- Detection of rotavirus in stool specimens from children with diarrhea.
- VP7 gene sequencing for G-type determination.
- Near full-length genome sequencing of the KF17 strain (all 11 RNA segments).
- Phylogenetic analysis of individual gene segments.
Main Results:
- Two human RVA strains, KF14 and KF17, with the rare G6P[9] genotype were identified in Japan.
- The complete genomic constellation of KF17 was determined as G6-P[9]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A3-N2-T3-E3-H3, a novel constellation for human rotavirus.
- Phylogenetic analysis indicated reassortment events involving bovine-like and feline-like rotavirus strains.
Conclusions:
- This is the first report of a G6 human rotavirus in Japan.
- The novel genotype constellation suggests complex reassortment events.
- The findings highlight the potential for interspecies transmission and genetic exchange in rotavirus evolution.
