Genetic distribution of group A human rotavirus types isolated in Gyunggi province of Korea, 1999-2002.
BACKGROUND
Human rotavirus genotypes G1-G4 and G9 are the major etiological agents of infantile gastroenteritis. G1 was the most prevalent in Korea during the 10-year period prior to 1997. However, between 1998 and 1999, G4 was the predominant type in Korea, as it was in other Asian countries.


OBJECTIVE
The circulating pattern and genetic variability of group A human rotavirus in Gyunggi, Korea, 1999-2002, were examined in 189 stool specimens.


METHODS
Stool samples were collected from children with diarrhea, and group A human rotavirus type was determined using multiplex RT-PCR in those specimens found to be positive for rotavirus by ELISA. Each genotype was sequenced, and phylogenetic analysis was performed on the sequences.


RESULTS
We found significant variability from year to year in the prevalence of different G and P types of rotavirus. We also found relatively high prevalence rates for types normally considered to be uncommon. Furthermore, we found that the most prevalent combination of G and P types changed from year to year. Although the combination of G and P types changed every year, the sequence of G genotypes showed a high level of similarity (>97%) compared to those of strains from other Asian countries.


CONCLUSIONS
We report the types of rotavirus circulating in Gyunggi province, Korea from 1999 to 2002. This information on rotavirus diversity has important implications for rotavirus vaccine efficacy and future vaccine development.
Moon
Sung-Sil
SS
Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 136-705, Korea.
Green
Yangsook Song
YS
Song
Jin-Won
JW
Ahn
Chang Nam
CN
Kim
Hoon
H
Park
Kwang Sook
KS
Song
Ki-Joon
KJ
Lee
Jung Hwa
JH
Baek
Luck Ju
LJ
D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000235:genetics; D036022:Capsid Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000821:virology*; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007723:Korea; D010802:Phylogeny; D012401:Rotavirus / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D012400:Rotavirus Infections / Q000821:virology*; D013045:Species Specificity
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D036022:Capsid Proteins; C060339:VP4 protein, Rotavirus; C050779:VP7 protein, Rotavirus