[Identification of rotavirus I- and E-genotypes by multiplex PCR method.]

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Public Health

Background:

• Reassortant rotavirus strains are increasingly identified globally due to advanced classification systems.
• Limited data exists on the circulation of these reassortant strains within Russia.
• Understanding rotavirus diversity is crucial for effective public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel approach for determining rotavirus VP6 (I) and NSP4 (E) genotypes.
• To identify reassortant rotavirus strains circulating in Russia.
• To support rotavirus surveillance and control efforts.

Main Methods:

• Nucleotide sequencing and multiplex PCR were employed to analyze rotavirus-positive samples.
• Phylogenetic analysis utilized the Bayesian approach for accurate genotyping.
• Oligonucleotide primers specific to key VP6 and NSP4 genotypes were designed and optimized for multiplex PCR.

Main Results:

• Three VP6 alleles (I1-1, I2-IV, I2-VII) and seven NSP4 alleles (E1-I, E1-III, E2-VI, E2-VII, E2-X, E2-XII, E3) were identified in Nizhny Novgorod rotaviruses.
• The developed multiplex PCR method successfully identified diverse I and E genotypes and their combinations with G and P genotypes.
• G9-P[8]-I1-E1 and G2-P[4]-I2-E2 strains were predominant, while other reassortant genotypes were detected sporadically.

Conclusions:

• The developed method effectively characterizes rotaviruses, including reassortant strains, in the Russian context.
• This approach is valuable for monitoring rotavirus diversity during the initial phase of rotavirus vaccination in Russia.
• The findings contribute to a better understanding of rotavirus epidemiology and the emergence of novel strains.