Evolution of DS-1-like human G2P[4] rotaviruses assessed by complete genome analyses

Abstract

Group A rotaviruses (RVAs) are a leading cause of viral gastroenteritis in children, with G2P[4] RVA being one of the most common human strains worldwide. The complete genome sequences of nine G2P[4] RVA strains, selected from a 26-year archival collection (1985–2011) established in Palermo, Italy, were determined. A strain associated with a peak of G2P[4] RVA activity in 1996 resembled a reassortant strain identified in Kenya in 1982 and differed completely in genomic make up from more recent strains that circulated during 2004–2011. Conversely, the 2004–2011 G2P[4] RVAs were genetically more similar to contemporary RVA strains circulating globally. Recent G2P[4] strains possessed either single or multiple genome segments (VP1, VP3 and/or NSP4) likely derived from ruminant viruses through intra-genotype reassortment. Amino acid substitutions were selected and maintained over time in the VP7 and VP8* antigenic proteins, allowing the circulation of two contemporary G2P[4] variants to be distinguished. Altogether, these findings suggest that major changes in the genomic composition of recent G2P[4] RVAs occurred in the early 2000s, leading to the appearance of a novel variant of the DS-1-like genotype constellation. Whether the modifications observed in the neutralizing antigens and in the genome composition of modern G2P[4] RVAs may affect the long-term effectiveness of the vaccination programmes remains to be explored.

Prevalence and genomic characterization of G2P[4] group A rotavirus strains during monovalent vaccine introduction in Brazil

“…2) (Doan et al, 2011;Gómez et al, 2005;Zeller et al, 2012;Mouna et al, 2013;Do et al, 2014;Donato et al, 2010;Giammanco et al, 2014). Comparison of the RV1 amino acid sequences inside previous described antigenic epitopes in VP7 and VP8 ⁄ , with Brazilian G2P [4] strains revealed several amino acid differences as expected since G2 is rather divergent from G1 strains (Fig.…”

Molecular Epidemiology of Contemporary G2P[4] Human Rotaviruses Cocirculating in a Single U.S. Community: Footprints of a Globally Transitioning Genotype

“…Similarly, the caprine RV-like VP1 of the clade B and C viruses and the caprine RV-like VP3 gene of the clade C virus were similar to those of strains isolated from ruminants in developing areas of Bangladesh and India. Similar constellations incorporating one and sometimes two of these genes have recently been observed in stable circulation among children in Italy (63). Animal strains may need to undergo advantageous evolution and further reassortment before being adapted for efficient replication and transmission in humans (64).…”

Genetic diversity in three bovine-like human G8P[14] and G10P[14] rotaviruses suggests independent interspecies transmission events

“…Sequences were corrected with (Dennis et al, 2014). For VP1 and VP3, PR457/2009 showed a close clustering with RVA/Human-wt/ITA/PAI11/ 1996/G2P [4] and RVA/Human-tc/SWE/1076/1983/G2P[6], respectively, which were reported to have a bovine-like VP1 and VP3 in a human RVA genetic backbone (Ghosh et al, 2013;Giammanco et al, 2014 Ianiro et al, 2014;Ruggeri et al, 2011). Furthermore, G6, G8 and G10 RVAs are common in bovines and buffaloes in southern Italy (Pisanelli et al, 2005).…”