Characterization of human group C rotavirus in Argentina

J Med Virol. 2000 Oct;62(2):199-207. doi: 10.1002/1096-9071(200010)62:2<199::aid-jmv11>3.0.co;2-x.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Viral / analysis
  • Argentina / epidemiology
  • Capsid / genetics*
  • Capsid Proteins*
  • Child
  • Diarrhea / epidemiology
  • Diarrhea / virology*
  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
  • Genes, Viral
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • RNA, Double-Stranded / genetics
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Rotavirus / classification*
  • Rotavirus / genetics*
  • Rotavirus / metabolism
  • Rotavirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Rotavirus Infections / virology*

Substances

  • Antigens, Viral
  • Capsid Proteins
  • RNA, Double-Stranded
  • RNA, Viral
  • VP6 protein, Rotavirus
  • VP7 protein, Rotavirus