Diversity of group A rotavirus genes detected in the Triângulo Mineiro region, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Group A rotaviruses are the main causative agent of infantile gastroenteritis. The segmented nature of the viral genome allows reassortment of genome segments, which can generate genetic variants. In this study, we characterized the diversity of the VP7, VP4 (VP8*), VP6, NSP4, and NSP5 genes of the rotaviruses that circulated from 2005 to 2011 in the Triângulo Mineiro (TM) region of Brazil. Samples with genotypes G2 (sublineages IVa-1 and IVa-3), G1 (sublineage I-A), G9 (lineage III), G12 (lineages II and III), G8 (lineage II), G3 (lineage III), P[4] (sublineages IVa and IVb), P[8] (sublineages P[8]-3.6, P[8]-3.3, and P[8]-3.1), I2 (lineage VII), E2 (lineages VI, XII, and X), and H2 (lineage III) were identified. The associations found in the samples were G1, G9, or G12 with P[8]-I1-E1-H1; G2 or G8 with P[4]-I2-E2-H2; G12 with I3-E3-H6; and G3 with P[4]-I2-E3-H3 (previously unreported combination). Reassortment events in G2P[4] strains and an apparent pattern of temporal segregation within the lineages were observed. Five TM samples contained genes that exhibited high nucleotide and amino acid identities with strains of animal origin. The present study includes a period of pre- and post-introduction of rotavirus vaccination in all Brazilian territories, thereby serving as a basis for monitoring changes in the genetic constitution of rotaviruses. The results also contribute to the understanding of the diversity and evolution of rotaviruses in a global context.
Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Biological and Natural Science, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Health Technical School, Health Science Center, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil. Electronic address: anadulgheroff@gmail.com.
Ana Carolina Bernardes
AC
Dulgheroff
Laboratory of Infectious Disease Ecology in the Amazon, Leonidas e Maria Deane Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil.
George Allan Villarouco da
GA
Silva
Laboratory of Infectious Disease Ecology in the Amazon, Leonidas e Maria Deane Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil.
Felipe Gomes
FG
Naveca
Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Biological and Natural Science, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Adriana Gonçalves de
AG
Oliveira
Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Biological and Natural Science, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
André Luiz da Silva
AL
Domingues
D044822:Biodiversity; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D005243:Feces / Q000821:virology; D005759:Gastroenteritis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology; D005814:Genes, Viral; D014644:Genetic Variation; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D010802:Phylogeny; D012401:Rotavirus / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012400:Rotavirus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology*
Genetic variation; Genotype; Infantile diarrhea; Rotavirus