Genetic analysis of rotavirus G2P[4] strains in Pune, Western India: circulation of a novel reassortant bearing E6 NSP4 genotype.

In India, G2P[4] strains are known to be the second most predominant group A rotaviruses causing acute gastroenteritis among children. This study was performed to determine the diversity within VP7(G), VP4(P), VP6(I) and NSP4(E) genes of 16 G2P[4] rotavirus strains detected in children hospitalized for acute gastroenteritis in Pune, Western India during 2009-2013. Fourteen strains showed G2-P[4]-I2-E2 and two strains showed G2-P[4]-I2-E6 genotype constellation.

Full genomic analysis of G1P[8] rotavirus strains recovered from rotavirus vaccinated and non-vaccinated children hospitalized for acute gastroenteritis in Pune, western India.

G1P[8] rotaviruses are predominant in causing diarrheal infections in humans all over the world. This study reports the analysis of complete genomes of G1P[8] strains, two each recovered from Rotarix™ vaccine recipients and non-recipients hospitalized for acute gastroenteritis in Pune, western India. All four strains showed a genogroup-1 backbone with intra-genotypic diversity in the VP7 and VP4 gene segments and a homogeneous constellation of the internal gene segments.

Molecular characterization of emerging G9P[4] rotavirus strains possessing a rare E6 NSP4 or T1 NSP3 genotype on a genogroup-2 backbone using a refined classification framework.

Rotavirus infections associated with unusual strains are an emerging concern in rotavirus vaccination programmes. Recently, an increase in circulation of unusual G9P[4] strains was reported from different regions of India, placing this genotype in third position, after G1P[8] and G2P[4], of the most common rotavirus strains. The aim of the present study was to analyse the complete genomic constellation of three G9P[4] strains (RV09, RV10 and RV11), determine their genetic relatedness to other genogroup-2 strains and understand the evolution of a rare E6 and other NSP4 genotypes.

Changing trends in circulating rotavirus strains in Pune, western India in 2009-2012: emergence of a rare G9P[4] rotavirus strain.

Background: A vast diversity in rotaviruses at inter- and intra-genotypic level underscores the need for monitoring of circulating rotavirus strains. The aim of this study was to update the data on rotavirus disease and strains for the period from January 2009 to December 2012 in Pune, western India which has been one of the sites of the Indian Rotavirus Strain Surveillance Network since November 2005.

Methods: Children aged <5 years admitted for acute gastroenteritis in three different hospitals from Pune city were included in the study.