Prevalence and molecular characterization of G1P[8] human rotaviruses possessing DS-1-like VP6, NSP4, and NSP5/6 in Japan.

During a survey of human rotaviruses in Okayama Prefecture, Japan in the 2011-2012 rotavirus season (between September 2011 and August 2012), G3P[8] was found to be a predominant genotype overall. However, G1P[8] emerged in the latter half of the season. To clarify the genetic background of the G1P[8] strains, the VP7, VP4, VP6, NSP4, and NSP5/6 genes of the strains were sequenced and genotyped.

Molecular characterization of OP354-like P[8] (P[8]b subtype) human rotaviruses A species isolated in Japan.

OP354-like P[8] (P[8]b subtype) species A rotaviruses (RVAs) were isolated first time in Japan during a RVA survey in Okayama Prefecture between 2006 and 2009. Two of 236 RVA-positive samples were identified as G1P[8]b by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. P[8]b strains (RVA/human-wt/JPN/OH1998/2008/G1P[8]b and RVA/human-wt/JPN/OH2024/2008/G1P[8]b) were isolated only in May, 2008 and both patients infected with P[8]b viruses lived in the same city, suggesting that the prevalence of P[8]b RVAs is limited considerably in Okayama Prefecture.

Rotavirus antigenemia and genomia in children with rotavirus gastroenteritis.

We investigated group A rotavirus (GARV) antigenemia and genomia in children with rotavirus gastroenteritis. A total of 16 patients (2-29 months old), who received a diagnosis of GARV gastroenteritis using a commercial rapid test, were enrolled in this study. The sera from the patients were tested for the presence of GARV antigen and the VP7 and NSP3 genes using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, respectively.

Detection and molecular characterization of human group C rotaviruses in Okayama Prefecture, Japan, between 1986 and 2005.

A survey of human group C rotaviruses (CHRVs) was conducted in Okayama Prefecture, Japan, over a period of 19 years between 1986 and 2005. The presence of CHRVs was screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using CHRV-specific monoclonal antibodies and confirmed by reverse transcription-PCR. Of the 3,722 fecal specimens from sporadic cases of gastroenteritis, 44 specimens (1.

Epidemiology of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks caused by Noroviruses in Okayama, Japan.

Noroviruses (called formerly "Norwalk-like viruses") cause food-borne gastroenteritis outbreaks. These outbreaks were thought to be related to shellfish consumption, although non-shellfish related outbreaks also occurred frequently in Japan. To clarify the epidemiology of Norovirus outbreaks, 435 stool samples were collected from 60 acute non-bacterial gastroenteritis outbreaks occurring over 8 years in Okayama, Japan.

[Outbreak of acute gastroenteritis caused by human group C rotavirus in a youth educational center in Okayama Prefecture].

In May 2000, an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis caused by human group C rotavirus (CHRV) occurred in a youth educational center located in the southern area of Okayama Prefecture. A total of 172 schoolchildren and teachers, who consisted of 51 persons belonging to F school and 121 persons belonging to K school, joined in an educational program at the center from May 24 to 26. Eighty-seven individuals (50.