Host-Range Shift Between Emerging P[8]-4 Rotavirus and Common P[8] and P[4] Strains

J Infect Dis. 2020 Aug 4;222(5):836-839. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa122.

Abstract

In Tunisia, we observed that rotavirus P[8]-3 and P[4] strains in young children with gastroenteritis associate with secretor histo-blood group phenotype. In contrast, the emerging P[8]-4 strain, representing 10% of cases, was exclusively found in nonsecretor patients. Unlike VP8* from P[8]-3 and P[4] strains, the P[8]-4 VP8* protein attached to glycans from saliva samples regardless of the donor's secretor status. Interestingly, a high frequency of FUT2 enzyme deficiency (nonsecretor phenotype) was observed in the population. This may allow cocirculation of P[8]-3 and P[8]-4 strains in secretor and nonsecretor children, respectively.

Keywords: FUT2; fucosyltransferase; genetic susceptibility; histo-blood group antigen; host range; rotavirus; secretor/nonsecretor phenotypes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Fucosyltransferases / genetics*
  • Galactoside 2-alpha-L-fucosyltransferase
  • Genotype
  • Host Specificity*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Phenotype
  • Polysaccharides / metabolism
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Rotavirus / genetics*
  • Rotavirus / physiology
  • Rotavirus Infections / genetics*
  • Saliva
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins / genetics
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins / metabolism*
  • Virus Attachment

Substances

  • Polysaccharides
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins
  • NS35 protein, rotavirus
  • Fucosyltransferases