Molecular characterization of a new variant of rotavirus P[8]G9 predominant in a sentinel-based survey in central Italy.

Rotavirus P[8]G9 was recognized as the most widespread genotype during a sentinel-based survey in Italy; phylogenetic analysis of the VP7 and VP4 genes showed that Italian isolates constituted a closely related genetic cluster distinct from the other G9 strains recently isolated in other European countries, America, and Asia.