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Updated: Jun 21, 2025
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Simplified Reverse Genetics Method to Recover Recombinant Rotaviruses Expressing Reporter Proteins
Published on: April 17, 2020
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Driving forces of continuing evolution of rotaviruses
Mohamad Saifudin Hakim1,2, Faris Muhammad Gazali3, Suci Ardini Widyaningsih4
1Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GD, Netherlands.
World Journal of Virology
|July 10, 2024
Summary
Rotavirus A causes severe diarrhea in children globally, particularly in low-income nations. This review explores rotavirus evolution, strain dynamics, and factors influencing its spread, including reassortment and host immunity.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Rotaviruses, specifically Rotavirus A, are a leading cause of acute diarrheal disease in children under five.
- These infections result in over 200,000 deaths annually, disproportionately affecting low-income countries.
- Rotavirus evolution is characterized by strain dynamics and the emergence of novel strains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structure, types, epidemiology, and evolution of rotaviruses.
- To discuss key factors driving rotavirus evolution, including genetic reassortment and mutation rates.
- To examine supplemental factors influencing rotavirus evolution, such as vaccine introduction and host immune responses.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of rotavirus structure, epidemiology, and evolution.
- Analysis of factors contributing to rotavirus genetic diversity.
- Synthesis of information on host-pathogen interactions and therapeutic interventions.
Main Results:
- Rotavirus A accounts for over 90% of human rotavirus infections.
- Genetic reassortment (intra- and inter-genogroup) is a primary driver of rotavirus evolution.
- Other significant factors include mutation rates, glycan specificity, vaccine introduction, host immunity, and antiviral drugs.
Conclusions:
- Understanding rotavirus evolution is critical for controlling diarrheal diseases.
- Multiple factors, including genetic mechanisms and external pressures like vaccines, shape rotavirus diversity.
- Continued research into rotavirus evolution is essential for developing effective public health strategies and treatments.
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