In hospitalized patients with acute gastroenteritis in Manipur, India, four rotavirus strains were found to possess VP7 and/or VP4 genes with porcine or bovine characteristics. Considering the animal-like nature of these strains, the remaining eight gene segments were analysed to decipher their exact origin. Analyses of full genome of these strains exhibited their origin from porcine/bovine rotaviruses. This study suggests single or multiple events of reassortment involving multiple gene segments of more than one host type among the strains and emphasizes the significance of complete genetic characterization of unusual strains in regions with high incidence and mortality rates.
© 2010 The Authors. Clinical Microbiology and Infection © 2010 European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.