Genomic Analysis of Rotavirus G8P[8] Strains Detected in the United States Through Active Surveillance, 2016-2017

G8 rotaviruses are primarily associated with animals and infrequently cause infections in humans. The first detection of G8 strains in humans occurred around 1979, and since then, their presence has been sporadic, particularly in the United States (U.S.). During the 2016-2017 rotavirus surveillance season, the New Vaccine Surveillance Network (NVSN) identified 36 G8P[8] rotavirus strains across four sites in the U.S. This study presents the whole-genome characterization of these G8P[8] strains, along with comparative sequence analyses against the current vaccine strains, Rotarix and RotaTeq. Each strain exhibited a DS-1-like backbone with a consensus genotype constellation of G8P[8]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A2-N2-T2-E2-H2 and exhibited high genetic similarities to G8P[8] strains previously detected in Europe and Asia. Clinical analysis revealed no significant differences in hospitalization rates, length of stay, or severity scores between G8P[8] RVA-positive and non-G8P[8] RVA-positive subjects. Additionally, phylodynamic analysis determined the evolutionary rates and the most recent common ancestor for these strains, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring of rotavirus genotypes to assess the spread of these emerging G8P[8] strains.