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VP4 genotyping of human rotavirus in the United States
N Santos1, M Riepenhoff-Talty, H F Clark
1Division of Molecular Biological Research and Evaluation, Food and Drug Administration, Washington, DC 20204.
Insights
Rotavirus VP4 (P) and VP7 (G) types were identified in 171 US children. P1G1 strains were most common, but P3 genotypes were found in severe cases, challenging previous assumptions.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrheal disease in children globally.
- Understanding rotavirus genotypes is crucial for vaccine development and epidemiological surveillance.
- Previous studies suggested P3 genotypes are attenuated, but their role in severe disease was unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the VP4 (P) and VP7 (G) genotypes of rotavirus isolates from children with diarrhea in the United States.
- To investigate the prevalence of different rotavirus strains.
- To assess the association of specific genotypes with disease severity.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) typing assays were employed.
- 171 rotavirus isolates from children with diarrhea were analyzed.
- VP4 (P) and VP7 (G) types were determined for each isolate.
Main Results:
- The P1G1 genotype predominated, accounting for 71% of isolates.
- P1G3 strains were the second most common (20%).
- Notably, P3 genotypes (P3G1 and P3G2), previously considered attenuated, were identified in 1% of cases, specifically in children with severe dehydrating diarrhea.
Conclusions:
- The P1G1 genotype is the most prevalent rotavirus strain in the studied US pediatric population.
- The presence of P3 genotypes in severe dehydrating diarrhea cases warrants further investigation and may challenge their classification as solely attenuated strains.
- These findings have implications for rotavirus surveillance and vaccine efficacy assessments.
Abstract:
The VP4 (P) and VP7 (G) types of 171 rotavirus isolates obtained from children with diarrhea in the United States were characterized by PCR typing assays. Strains P1G1 predominated (71%); this was followed by strains P1G3 (20%) and P2G2 and P1G4 (2% each). Mixed types were identified in five (3%) specimens. Two (1%) strains bearing the P3 genotype (P3G1 and P3G2) were found in children with severe dehydrating diarrhea, although the P3 genotype has been regarded as a possible marker for virus attenuation.