Detection of an animal-derived G4P[6] group A rotavirus strain in a symptomatic child, in Italy

Virus Res. 2019 Jan 15:260:7-11. doi: 10.1016/j.virusres.2018.11.003. Epub 2018 Nov 10.

Abstract

During 2017, a G4P[6] group A rotavirus strain was identified in the feces of an Italian child hospitalized for acute gastroenteritis in Southern Italy. Nucleotide sequencing of the 11 genomic segments, revealed the G4-P[6]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E1-H1 genotype constellation. Phylogenetic analyses of the gene segments investigated revealed high nucleotide sequence identities with G4P[6] RVA strains detected previously in pigs and in humans. The human strains related to the Italian G4P[6] were mainly reported from Asia, and were detected after an inter-species transmission event from swine. This study reports the genotyping and phylogenetic analysis of a G4P[6] RVA strain presenting a genomic constellation never detected before in Italy. In addition, this strain was able to cause AGE symptoms in a healthy child, successively hospitalized. The molecular characterization suggested zoonotic origin and inter-species transmission of this strain from swine, living open the possibility of its importation from abroad.

Keywords: Diarrhea; G4P[6]; Human; Italy; Rotavirus; Swine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Child
  • Feces / virology
  • Gastroenteritis / virology*
  • Genotype*
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Phylogeny
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • Rotavirus / classification*
  • Rotavirus / genetics
  • Rotavirus / isolation & purification*
  • Rotavirus Infections / virology*
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Sequence Homology
  • Zoonoses / virology*

Substances

  • RNA, Viral