High Prevalence of Typical Human Wa-Like G3P[8] Rotavirus Strains in Children Hospitalized With Acute Gastroenteritis...

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Public Health
• Molecular Epidemiology

Background:

• Rotavirus Group A (RVA) is a leading cause of severe acute gastroenteritis in young children globally.
• Understanding circulating RVA strains is crucial for effective disease control and vaccine development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the genetic diversity and epidemiological features of RVA strains in Chiang Rai, Thailand, between 2022 and 2023.
• To investigate the genetic makeup and potential evolutionary trajectory of predominant RVA genotypes.

Main Methods:

• Fecal samples from children were tested for RVA using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
• Genotyping of RVA strains was performed, and phylogenetic analysis was conducted to determine genetic lineages.
• Amino acid variations in key proteins (VP7, VP8*) were analyzed, and homology modeling was used to assess their structural impact.

Main Results:

• Rotavirus Group A was detected in 9.9% of samples, predominantly affecting children under five years old.
• The most common genotype identified was G3P[8] (96.3%), with a single seasonal peak observed from winter to summer.
• Phylogenetic analysis revealed two G3P[8] lineages, one with unique amino acid substitutions (Aspartic acid at position 221 in VP7) compared to previously reported strains and vaccine strains.

Conclusions:

• The study identified a high prevalence of the G3P[8] genotype in Chiang Rai, Thailand, with distinct genetic characteristics.
• The identified amino acid differences in surface proteins suggest potential implications for viral evolution and immune evasion.
• Further monitoring is warranted to understand the future emergence and potential replacement of circulating G3P[8] strains.