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Published on: January 28, 2019
Wa-1 Equine-Like G3P[8] Rotavirus from a Child with Diarrhea in Colombia
Marlen Martinez-Gutierrez1,2, Estiven Hernandez-Mira1, Santiago Rendon-Marin1
1Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Animales GRICA, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga 680002, Colombia.
Insights
Rotavirus A (RVA), a leading cause of diarrhea in young children, shows emerging equine-like G3P[8] strains. This study confirms the first detection of this novel RVA strain in Colombian infants, highlighting the need for ongoing surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Public Health
Background:
- Rotavirus A (RVA) is a primary cause of severe diarrhea in children globally.
- Equine-like G3P[8] DS-1-like RVA strains are emerging and represent a growing public health concern.
- Understanding RVA genetic diversity is crucial for effective disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform complete genome characterization of a G3P[8] RVA strain.
- To investigate the genetic diversity of circulating RVA strains in Colombian infants.
- To confirm the presence of novel equine-like G3P[8] RVA strains in Colombia.
Main Methods:
- Near-full genome phylogenetic analysis was conducted.
- The genetic makeup of the RVA strain was fully characterized.
- Genomic data was analyzed to determine RVA strain origins and relationships.
Main Results:
- The study confirmed the presence of an equine-like G3P[8] RVA strain with a Wa-like backbone.
- This marks the first identification of this specific RVA strain in Colombia.
- The findings reveal significant genetic diversity within circulating RVA strains in the region.
Conclusions:
- The emergence of equine-like G3P[8] RVA strains in Colombian infants is confirmed.
- This study underscores the importance of continuous viral surveillance in the Colombian population.
- Further research is needed to understand the transmission dynamics of this RVA strain in Colombia.
Abstract:
Rotavirus A (RVA) has been considered the main cause of diarrheal disease in children under five years in emergency services in both developed and developing countries. RVA belongs to the Reoviridae family, which comprises 11 segments of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) as a genomic constellation that encodes for six structural and five to six nonstructural proteins. RVA has been classified in a binary system with Gx[Px] based on the spike protein (VP4) and the major outer capsid glycoprotein (VP7), respectively. The emerging equine-like G3P[8] DS-1-like strains reported worldwide in humans have arisen an important concern. Here, we carry out the complete genome characterization of a previously reported G3P[8] strain in order to recognize the genetic diversity of RVA circulating among infants in Colombia. A near-full genome phylogenetic analysis was done, confirming the presence of the novel equine-like G3P[8] with a Wa-like backbone for the first time in Colombia. This study demonstrated the importance of surveillance of emerging viruses in the Colombian population; furthermore, additional studies must focus on the understanding of the spread and transmission dynamic of this important RVA strain in different areas of the country.
