Related Experiment Videos
Serotype 3 human rotavirus strains with subgroup I specificity
G Gerna1, A Sarasini, A Di Matteo
1Virus Laboratory, Institute of Infectious Diseases, University of Pavia, Italy.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Three unusual human rotavirus (HRV) strains, subgroup I and serotype 3, were identified. Genetic analysis suggests these human rotavirus strains are likely of animal origin, not reassortants.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Human rotavirus (HRV) infections are a significant cause of gastroenteritis.
- Routine surveillance for HRV strains is crucial for understanding transmission dynamics.
- Unusual strain characteristics necessitate detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize three novel subgroup I, serotype 3 HRV strains detected in Italy.
- To determine the genetic relatedness and potential origin of these unusual HRV strains.
- To differentiate between animal rotavirus origin and natural reassortment within human strains.
Main Methods:
- Viral isolation and adaptation to cell culture.
- Serotyping using neutralization assays with specific antisera and monoclonal antibodies.
- RNA-RNA hybridization (Northern blot) using labeled viral RNA probes.
- Electropherotyping to analyze viral RNA genome segments.
Main Results:
- Three human rotavirus strains (MZ58, PCP5, PA710) were identified as subgroup I, serotype 3, with a long electropherotype.
- Neutralization assays showed cross-reactivity with simian rotavirus strains (SA11, RRV-2) and reference serotype 3 strain YO.
- RNA-RNA hybridization revealed significant homology between the unusual human strains and simian/bovine rotaviruses, with limited homology to human rotavirus strain YO.
Conclusions:
- The unusual subgroup I, serotype 3, human rotavirus strains exhibit genetic profiles more consistent with animal rotaviruses.
- These findings suggest a potential zoonotic origin for these strains rather than reassortment among existing human rotaviruses.
- Further investigation into animal rotavirus surveillance is warranted.