Molecular characterization of unusual human G5P[6] rotaviruses identified in China.

Background: We found an unusual human rotavirus, LL36755 of G5P[6] genotype, in a stool sample collected in Lulong County, Hebei Province, China. This is the first detection of rotavirus serotype G5 in Asia.

Objectives: To identify and characterize G5 rotaviruses in 988 stool samples collected from children under 5 years old with acute gastroenteritis.

[Relationship between severity of rotavirus diarrhea and serotype G and genotype].

Objective: To learn the relationship between severity of rotavirus diarrhea and serotype G and genotype P.

Method: The clinical information and fecal specimens of hospitalized children less than 5 years of age with acute diarrhea in four sentinel hospitals were collected from Aug 2001 to July 2003. Specimens were tested and typed for rotavirus.

Novel human rotavirus of genotype G5P[6] identified in a stool specimen from a Chinese girl with diarrhea.

During a rotavirus surveillance conducted in Lulong County, Hebei Province, China, a total of 331 stool specimens collected in 2003 from children under 5 years old with diarrhea were screened. We identified a novel group A human rotavirus of genotype G5P[6]. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the VP7 protein of this newly identified strain, LL36755, was closely related to those of the G5 strains.