Characterization of human group C rotavirus in Argentina.
A survey was conducted for identification of human group C rotaviruses in stool specimens taken from children suffering diarrhea in suburban Buenos Aires regions. Among 90 true negative group A samples as defined by ELISA, RT-PCR and PAGE, five were positive by group C specific RT-PCR (VP7 and VP6 genes) and three of these samples exhibited the characteristic 4-3-2-2 dsRNA pattern of group C rotavirus. These results were further confirmed by electron microscopy and by ELISA for detection of group C VP6 specific antigens. Sequence analysis of the VP7 gene from one of these isolates revealed a 97.3-98.6% nucleotide identity and up to 99.1% protein homology with human group C rotavirus strains found scattered throughout the last ten years in other countries. Conversely, similar analysis performed with porcine strains showed a much lower homology degree both at the nucleotide (75.5% nucleotide identity) and amino acid level (85.5% protein homology). Detection of group C rotavirus in children with acute diarrhea in Argentina extends the identification range of this agent in the region and is consistent with previous reported data that demonstrate a global distribution of this virus.
Castello
A A
AA
Department of Science and Technology, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Argüelles
M H
MH
Villegas
G A
GA
López
N
N
Ghiringhelli
D P
DP
Semorile
L
L
Glikmann
G
G
D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D001118:Argentina / Q000453:epidemiology; D002213:Capsid / Q000235:genetics*; D036022:Capsid Proteins; D002648:Child; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology*; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D005814:Genes, Viral; D006801:Humans; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D012330:RNA, Double-Stranded / Q000235:genetics; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012401:Rotavirus / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D012400:Rotavirus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology*
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D036022:Capsid Proteins; D012330:RNA, Double-Stranded; D012367:RNA, Viral; C061332:VP6 protein, Rotavirus; C050779:VP7 protein, Rotavirus