Evidence that a novel rotavirus-like agent of rats can cause gastroenteritis in man

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Gastroenterology
• Public Health

Background:

• Rotaviruses are a common cause of gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide.
• A rotavirus-like agent has been identified as a cause of gastroenteritis in rats.
• The prevalence and characteristics of this agent in human populations were previously unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association of a rat rotavirus-like agent with human diarrhea.
• To determine the seroprevalence of infection with this agent in a human population.
• To compare the identified virus with known group A rotaviruses.

Main Methods:

• Serological studies were conducted to assess infection prevalence.
• Antigenic and genomic analyses were performed to characterize the virus.
• Human populations in Baltimore, Maryland, were included in the study.

Main Results:

• A rotavirus-like agent was found to be associated with diarrhea in humans.
• Infection with this virus was prevalent in both children and adults in Baltimore.
• The virus was antigenically and genomically distinct from group A rotaviruses.

Conclusions:

• A novel rotavirus-like virus circulates in the human population, distinct from group A rotaviruses.
• This discovery has implications for understanding the epidemiology of viral gastroenteritis.
• Future vaccine development for infantile gastroenteritis should consider this distinct viral agent.