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Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
Published on: January 28, 2019
Identification of group B rotavirus as an etiological agent in the gastroenteritis outbreak in Maharashtra, India
Madhuri S Joshi1, Nital N Ganorkar1, Sujata S Ranshing1
1Enteric Viruses Group, National Institute of Virology, Pune, India.
Abstract:
Acute gastroenteritis outbreak occurred at Pargaon, Maharashtra, India in 1789 cases with an attack rate of 32.5% between November to December 2015. The stool specimens (n = 32) were investigated for different enteric viral agents using conventional methods. Transmission electron microscopy and RNA polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis respectively identified morphologically distinct rotavirus particles in 28% and RNA migration pattern of Group B Rotavirus (GBR) in 72% of the specimens. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and nucleotide sequencing confirmed presence of GBR in 97% of the samples analyzed. The predominance of GBR infections and absence or insignificant presence of other agents confirmed GBR as an etiological agent of the gastroenteritis outbreak occurred in Maharashtra, India.
Insights
A 2015 Maharashtra outbreak of acute gastroenteritis was caused by Group B Rotavirus (GBR). Investigations confirmed GBR as the primary etiological agent in this significant public health event.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- An acute gastroenteritis outbreak affected 1789 individuals in Pargaon, Maharashtra, India, between November and December 2015.
- The outbreak had a notable attack rate of 32.5%, necessitating an investigation into the causative agent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the specific enteric viral agent responsible for the acute gastroenteritis outbreak in Maharashtra.
- To confirm the etiological role of identified viral agents in the observed cases.
Main Methods:
- Stool specimens (n=32) were analyzed using conventional methods, including transmission electron microscopy and RNA polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
- Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and nucleotide sequencing were employed for definitive identification and confirmation of viral agents.
Main Results:
- Transmission electron microscopy detected rotavirus particles in 28% of specimens.
- RNA polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated the presence of Group B Rotavirus (GBR) in 72% of samples.
- RT-PCR and sequencing confirmed GBR in 97% of analyzed samples, with other agents being absent or insignificant.
Conclusions:
- Group B Rotavirus (GBR) was confirmed as the predominant etiological agent responsible for the acute gastroenteritis outbreak in Maharashtra, India.
- The findings highlight the significant role of GBR in causing widespread gastroenteritis outbreaks.
