Prevalence of human group A rotavirus serotypes in Pune, India (1990-1993)

A total of 205 specimens positive for rotaviruses obtained during 1990-93 surveillance studies of hospitalized patients with diarrhoea were tested by ELISA for G serotypes. Of these, 107 (52.19%) specimens could be serotyped. Seventy four specimens were assigned to one of the G1-G4 serotypes. Of the 74 specimens, 49 (66.2%) reacted with MAb against G2. Of 107 typeable specimens, 33 showed dual or multiple reactivity. Eighteen specimens reacted with MAb specific to G1 and G2 serotypes. Five specimens reacted with MAb specific to G2 and G4. RNA profile of some of the specimens showing dual reactivities did not show additional RNA band. The specimens showing reaction to G1 and G2, had long RNA pattern, those with G2 and G4, showed short RNA pattern. Ten (9.17%) specimens reacted to 3 or more rotavirus serotypes. Of these, three reacted to MAb raised against G6, a bovine rotavirus. Ninety eight specimens could not be serotyped.