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Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
Published on: January 28, 2019
Evolutionary changes between pre- and post-vaccine South African group A G2P[4] rotavirus strains, 2003-2017
Peter N Mwangi1, Nicola A Page2,3, Mapaseka L Seheri4
1Next Generation Sequencing Unit and Division of Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa.
Rotavirus G2P[4] strains in South Africa evolved into distinct pre- and post-vaccine lineages, driven by stepwise evolution rather than vaccination. Continuous surveillance is crucial for understanding G2P[4] epidemiology.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Rotavirus group A (RVA) G2P[4] strains have shown transient increases post-vaccine introduction in some regions.
- Understanding the genetic diversity and evolution of RVA G2P[4] is critical for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diversity and evolution of G2P[4] rotavirus strains in South Africa before and after RVA vaccine introduction.
- To identify genetic changes in G2P[4] strains associated with different time periods.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing of RVA positive faecal specimens from South Africa (2003-2017).
- Analysis of pre- and post-vaccine G2P[4] sequences obtained from local samples and GenBank.
- Identification of amino acid substitutions and their locations within viral proteins.
Main Results:
- Pre-vaccine G2 strains belonged to sub-lineage IVa-1, while post-vaccine strains shifted to IVa-3, marked by an S15F substitution in VP7.
- Pre-vaccine P[4] strains were in sub-lineage IVa, and post-vaccine strains shifted to IVb, with an R162G substitution in VP4.
- Key amino acid substitutions occurred outside known antigenic sites, affecting protein function (VP7 translocation, VP4 attachment).
Conclusions:
- The observed segregation of G2P[4] strains into pre- and post-vaccination lineages is likely due to natural stepwise evolution, not vaccine pressure.
- Continuous whole-genome surveillance of RVA is essential.
- Further research is needed to understand the impact of amino acid substitutions on G2P[4] epidemiology.
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