Genetic Characterization of Avian Rotavirus A From Japanese Pigeons

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Avian Pathology
• Molecular Epidemiology

Background:

• Rotavirus A (RVA) causes severe gastrointestinal disease in humans and animals.
• Avian rotavirus A (ARVA) infects birds, but its prevalence and genetic diversity in Japanese pigeon populations remain poorly understood.
• Limited data exists on ARVA in Japan, necessitating further genetic investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform the genetic characterization of two Japanese ARVA isolates from pigeons.
• To determine the whole-genome genotype constellation of these ARVA isolates.
• To compare the genetic makeup of Japanese ARVA with global strains to infer epidemiological connections.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of two pigeon ARVA isolates collected in 2012.
• Isolation in primary chicken kidney cell cultures.
• Near-complete whole-genome sequencing using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS).

Main Results:

• The genotype constellation of the two Japanese ARVA isolates was identified as G18-P[17]-I4-R4-C4-M4-A4-N4-T4-E19-H4.
• All 11 genomic segments showed close genetic relatedness to ARVA strains from Germany, Italy, and China.
• The genomic sequences were distinct from previously reported Japanese ARVA strains.

Conclusions:

• The findings suggest a common ancestor for the studied ARVA strains, potentially distributed and maintained worldwide.
• This genetic similarity implies international dissemination pathways for ARVA in feral birds.
• Further research into ARVA evolution and epidemiology in avian populations globally is warranted.