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Atypical rotaviruses in Australian pigs
H S Nagesha1, C P Hum, J C Bridger
1School of Microbiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
Archives of Virology
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Atypical rotaviruses, including groups B and C, were found in piglet diarrhea. Antibodies to groups B, C, and E were detected in sows, indicating these atypical rotaviruses circulate in Australian pigs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Animal Health
Background:
- Rotaviruses are a significant cause of diarrhea in piglets globally.
- Atypical rotaviruses can cause disease but are less understood than common strains.
- Previous studies have focused on common rotavirus groups in pigs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize atypical rotaviruses in diarrhoeic piglet faecal samples.
- To determine the prevalence of different atypical rotavirus groups in Australian pigs.
- To investigate the presence of antibodies against atypical rotaviruses in sows.
Main Methods:
- Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) for rotavirus electropherotyping.
- cDNA probe hybridization for rotavirus group identification.
- Immunofluorescence assays to detect antibodies in sow sera.
Main Results:
- Atypical rotaviruses were detected in 5.3% of piglet faecal samples.
- Group B rotavirus was confirmed in two samples using cDNA hybridization.
- Seven samples showed electropherotypes typical of group C rotavirus.
- Antibodies to groups B, C, and E rotaviruses were found in Australian sows.
Conclusions:
- Atypical rotaviruses, specifically groups B and C, are present in diarrhoeic piglets in Australia.
- The detection of antibodies in sows suggests circulation of atypical rotaviruses (groups B, C, and E) within the Australian pig population.
- Further research is needed to understand the full impact of these atypical rotaviruses on pig health.