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Identification of a human group C rotavirus in Malaysia
N B Rasool1, M Hamzah, M Jegathesan
1Department of Genetics and Cellular Biology University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Abstract:
Stool specimens from 334 infants and young children hospitalized with diarrhea in the General Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia between August and November, 1987 were analyzed for the presence of rotavirus double-stranded (ds) RNA by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Of the 334 specimens analyzed, 32 (9.6%) were positive for rotavirus RNA. One specimen (designated G147) exhibited a ds RNA electropherotype profile characteristic of Group C rotavirus and was selected for further characterization. In Northern blot hybridization studies, the gene 5 segment of strain G147 hybridized with a cDNA probe generated from the cloned gene 5 (which encodes the VP6 inner capsid protein that is group specific) of porcine Group C rotavirus strain Cowden, confirming the classification of strain G147 in Group C. The association of Group C rotavirus with diarrheal illness in Malaysia is consistent with earlier studies that suggest a global distribution of this virus and supports the need for additional epidemiologic studies.
Insights
Group C rotavirus was detected in 9.6% of hospitalized children with diarrhea in Malaysia. This finding confirms the global presence of Group C rotavirus, necessitating further epidemiological research.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Diarrheal diseases are a significant cause of childhood hospitalization globally.
- Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children.
- Group C rotavirus has been identified worldwide, but its prevalence in specific regions requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of rotavirus in young children hospitalized with diarrhea in Malaysia.
- To identify the specific group of rotavirus causing illness in a subset of cases.
- To contribute to understanding the global epidemiology of Group C rotavirus.
Main Methods:
- Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) was used to analyze double-stranded RNA from stool specimens.
- Northern blot hybridization was employed for molecular characterization of identified rotavirus strains.
- VP6 gene sequencing was utilized for group-specific identification.
Main Results:
- Rotavirus RNA was detected in 9.6% (32 out of 334) of the analyzed stool specimens.
- One strain, G147, was identified as Group C rotavirus based on its ds RNA electropherotype profile.
- Hybridization studies confirmed G147 as Group C rotavirus by targeting the VP6 gene.
Conclusions:
- Group C rotavirus is associated with diarrheal illness in Malaysian children.
- The findings support the global distribution of Group C rotavirus.
- Further epidemiological studies are warranted to assess the impact of Group C rotavirus.