Shift in genomic RNA patterns of human rotaviruses isolated from white children in South Africa.
The molecular epidemiology of rotavirus infection in white children in Pretoria was investigated over a 2-year period. Rotavirus-positive specimens from 322 infants and young children submitted to private pathology laboratories were analysed by polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis of the viral RNA. A predominance of long RNA profiles occurred and a temporal shift in the genomic patterns was identified. An epidemic of the classic shorter RNA profiles (suggestive of sub-group I rotaviruses) was observed in the winter of 1987, although these viruses were found less frequently than the sub-group II isolates (with a long RNA profile). Most neonatal isolates of rotaviruses exhibited a similar RNA electrophoretype, indicating that this strain of rotavirus was nosocomially acquired in different maternity units in the city.
Steele
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AD
Sub-department of Virology, Medical University of Southern Africa, Pretoria.
D002675:Child, Preschool; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000382:microbiology; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D015321:Gene Rearrangement; D005814:Genes, Viral; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics*; D012401:Rotavirus / Q000235:genetics*; D012400:Rotavirus Infections / Q000382:microbiology*; D013019:South Africa
D012367:RNA, Viral