Molecular Characterization of Avian Rotaviruses F and G Detected in Brazilian Poultry Flocks

Mariana S Pinheiro; Juliana B L Dias; Melissa P Petrucci; Carlos E P F Travassos; Gabriella S Mendes; Norma Santos

doi:10.3390/v15051089

Molecular Characterization of Avian Rotaviruses F and G Detected in Brazilian Poultry Flocks

Viruses. 2023 Apr 29;15(5):1089. doi: 10.3390/v15051089.

Authors

Mariana S Pinheiro¹, Juliana B L Dias¹, Melissa P Petrucci², Carlos E P F Travassos², Gabriella S Mendes¹, Norma Santos¹

Affiliations

¹ Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Departamento de Virologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21947-902, Brazil.
² Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Laboratório de Sanidade Animal, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes 28013-602, Brazil.

Abstract

Avian rotaviruses (RVs) are important etiologic agents of gastroenteritis in birds. In general, avian RVs are understudied; consequently, there is a paucity of information regarding these viruses. Therefore, the characterization of these viral species is highly relevant because more robust information on genetic, epidemiologic, and evolutionary characteristics can clarify the importance of these infections, and inform efficient prevention and control measures. In this study, we describe partial genome characterizations of two avian RV species, RVF and RVG, detected in asymptomatic poultry flocks in Brazil. Complete or partial sequences of at least one of the genomic segments encoding VP1, VP2, VP4, VP6, VP7, NSP1, NSP4, NSP4, or NSP5 of 23 RVF and 3 RVG strains were obtained, and demonstrated that multiple variants of both RVF and RVG circulate among Brazilian poultry. In this study, new and important information regarding the genomic characteristics of RVF and RVG is described. In addition, the circulation of these viruses in the study region and the genetic variability of the strains detected are demonstrated. Thus, the data generated in this work should help in understanding the genetics and ecology of these viruses. Nonetheless, the availability of a greater number of sequences is necessary to advance the understanding of the evolution and zoonotic potential of these viruses.

Keywords: RVF; RVG; chickens; genome sequencing; rotavirus.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Brazil / epidemiology
Chickens
Genome, Viral
Genotype
Phylogeny
Poultry
Rotavirus Infections* / epidemiology
Rotavirus Infections* / genetics
Rotavirus Infections* / veterinary
Rotavirus* / genetics

Grants and funding

This study was supported by the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq grant 302275/2022-3) and the Fundação Carlos Chagas de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (FAPERJ, grant E-26/202.909/2017), and Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES; Finance Code 001). The funders did not participate in the study design, data collection, data interpretation, or the decision to submit the work for publication.