Changing distribution of group A rotavirus G-types and genetic analysis of G9 circulating in Japan.
A total of 1,797 fecal specimens from infants and children with acute gastroenteritis in Japan from July 2000 to June 2003 were tested for group A rotavirus by ELISA, RT-PCR, RNA-PAGE and latex agglutination methods. Of these, 439 were found to be positive for group A rotavirus and this presented 24.4%. In 2000-2001, G1 was the most prevalent (45.5%) followed by G2 (32.5%), G3 (12.3%), G9 (5.9%) and G4 (2.6%). However, G2 was found predominant with 40% in the following year (2001-2002). Interestingly, G9 had a rapid increase of infection up to 17.8%. In 2002-2003, G3 dominated over other G-types with 34%. Another interesting feature of the study was the demonstration of great genetic diversity among G9 strains in Japan. Worth of note was the first prevalence pattern of rotavirus G-types with an increase of G2, G3 as well as G9 and a decrease of G1 during the 20 year-survey of rotavirus infection in Japan.
Yoshinaga
M
M
Department of Developmental Medical Sciences, Institute of International Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Phan
T G
TG
Nguyen
T A
TA
Yan
H
H
Yagyu
F
F
Okitsu
S
S
Müller
W E G
WE
Ushijima
H
H
D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000235:genetics*; D036022:Capsid Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005243:Feces / Q000821:virology; D005759:Gastroenteritis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007564:Japan / Q000453:epidemiology; D012401:Rotavirus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012400:Rotavirus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000266:history / Q000821:virology; D017386:Sequence Homology, Amino Acid; D012703:Serotyping
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D036022:Capsid Proteins; C050779:VP7 protein, Rotavirus