Rotaviruses are dynamic pathogens that have been shown to infect multiple species. In 2006, two G4P[6] rotavirus strains with porcine characteristics were detected in Santa Fe, Argentina. To further characterize and determine the origin of these strains, nearly the full length of their genome was sequenced. While most of the genome segments were from porcine origin, the two strains grouped in different phylogenetic clusters in five out of the 11 genes, suggesting two independent interspecies transmission events. This study expands our knowledge of G4 rotavirus and reinforces the use of complete genome analyses as a key tool for diversity and evolution mechanicisms.
Keywords: Argentina; G4P[6]; interspecies transmission; porcine-like strains; rotavirus.
© 2013 The Authors Clinical Microbiology and Infection © 2013 European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.