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Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
Published on: January 28, 2019
Molecular detection and characterization of rotavirus A in wastewater from Morogoro, Tanzania
Alice Syomiti Kilonzi1,2, Fredrick M Musila3, Joseph J Malakalinga4
1Department of Microbiology, Parasitology, and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3019, Morogoro, Tanzania.
Insights
Rotavirus A (RVA) circulates in Morogoro, Tanzania, detected in wastewater. The predominant G3P[8] genotype highlights the need for continued surveillance, even post-vaccination.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Public health virology
- Wastewater surveillance
Background:
- Rotavirus A (RVA) is a major cause of severe diarrhea in young children globally and in Tanzania.
- Despite Rotarix® vaccine introduction, RVA-related illness remains high, especially in areas with poor sanitation.
- Wastewater surveillance offers a potential method for monitoring RVA circulation in communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect and genetically characterize Rotavirus A (RVA) in wastewater samples from Morogoro, Tanzania.
- To assess the prevalence of RVA genotypes in the study area.
- To evaluate wastewater surveillance as a tool for monitoring RVA.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study collected 189 weekly wastewater samples from three treatment plants (November 2024 - February 2025).
- Samples were pooled, and RVA was detected using RT-PCR targeting VP4 and VP7 genes.
- Positive samples underwent Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analysis for genotyping.
Main Results:
- Rotavirus A (RVA) was detected in 8.6% of pooled wastewater samples.
- The predominant genotypes identified were G3 and P[8], clustering within lineage III.
- RVA detection rates varied by site: 16.1% (Mafisa), 9.7% (Mzumbe), and 0% (Magadu).
Conclusions:
- This study confirms the circulation of Rotavirus A, specifically the G3P[8] genotype, in Morogoro, Tanzania's wastewater.
- Wastewater surveillance proves effective for monitoring RVA strains in the region.
- Findings underscore the importance of integrated surveillance strategies for RVA control.
Abstract:
Rotavirus A (RVA) remains a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in infants and young children globally. In Tanzania, RVA accounts for over 36% diarrhea related deaths and one-third hospitalizations in children. Despite the introduction of the Rotarix® vaccine in 2013, rotavirus-associated morbidity remains high particularly in areas with poor sanitation. This cross-sectional study aimed to detect and characterize rotavirus in samples collected from three wastewater treatment plants in Morogoro, Tanzania to monitor RVA circulation. A total of 189 grab samples were collected weekly between November 2024 and February 2025. Samples were pooled by site, yielding 93 pooled samples, and processed for RVA detection using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) targeting VP4 and VP7 genes, followed by Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. RVA was detected in 8.6% (n=93) of the pooled samples: 16.1% in Mafisa, 9.7% in Mzumbe, and 0% in Magadu (p=0.074). Genotyping identified G3 and P [8] as predominant RVA genotypes, clustering within lineage III and showing ≥97.5% nucleotide identity with known RVA strains. This study confirms the presence of rotavirus A G3P [8] genotypes in wastewater influent in Morogoro, Tanzania. The study highlights the utility of wastewater surveillance as a complementary tool for monitoring rotavirus circulation.
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