Whole-genomic analysis of 12 porcine group A rotaviruses isolated from symptomatic piglets in Brazil during the years of 2012-2013

Pathogenicity comparison between porcine G9P[23] and G5P[23] RVA in piglets

Rotavirus Group A (RVA) is a primary pathogen that causes viral diarrhea in humans and animals. Porcine rotaviruses (PoRVs) are widely epidemic in pig farms in China, causing great economic losses to the swine industry. In the past 30 years, the G5 RVA had been the main epidemic genotype in pig farms worldwide. However, G9 RVA is an emerging genotype that is gradually becoming prevalent in humans and animals. To explore its potential mechanism, we isolated G9P[23] and G5P[23] rotaviruses, named 923 H and NG523 respectively, from diarrheal samples and compared the growth curves and virulence of two strains. In vitro experiments revealed that pig small intestine epithelial cells were more susceptible to 923 H strain. In vivo experiments showed that 923 H strain was more virulent than NG523 strain, causing more severe damage to piglets. The viral load of G9 infection groups in intestinal and extra-intestinal tissues was higher than that of G5 infection group. Histopathological examination showed cell degeneration, necrosis and nuclear condensation in the jejunum of G9 RVA infection group as well as more inflammatory cell infiltration and tissue destruction in the lung of G9 RVA infection group. Our results indicate that 923 H strain is more pathogenic than NG523 strain, which provides new insights into the widespread epidemic of G9 RVA in pig farms.

Complete genome characterization by nanopore sequencing of rotaviruses A, B, and C circulating on large-scale pig farms in Russia

BACKGROUND

Rotaviruses are the major etiological agents of gastroenteritis and diarrheal outbreaks in plenty of mammalian species. The genus Rotavirus is highly diverse and currently comprises nine genetically distinct species, and four of them (A, B, C, and H) are common for humans and pigs. There is a strong necessity to comprehend phylogenetic relationships among rotaviruses from different host species to assess interspecies transmission, specifically between humans and livestock. To reveal the genetic origin of rotaviruses from Russian pig farms, nanopore-based metagenomic sequencing was performed on the PCR-positive specimens.

METHODS

Samples were selected among the cases submitted to routine diagnostic or monitoring studies to the Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of "Federal Scientific Center VIEV" (Moscow, Russia). The selected positive samples were genotyped using nanopore sequencing method.

RESULTS

Five porcine RVA isolates were completely sequenced, and genotype analysis revealed various porcine G/P genogroups: G2, G3, G4, G5, G11 and P[6], P[7], P[13], P[23], P[27] with a typical backbone constellation I5-R1-C1-M1-A8-N1-T1/7-E1-H1. The RVB isolate was detected in combination with RVA in a rectal swab from a diseased pig in Krasnoyarsk Krai. It was characterized by the following genogroups: G15-P[X]-I11-R4-C4-M4-A8-N10-T4-E4-H7. The first complete porcine RVC genome from Russia was obtained with genomic constellation G6-P[5]-I14-R1-C1-M1-A7-N9-T6-E1-H1, and the phylogenetic analysis revealed putative novel genotype group for the VP6 gene-I14. Additionally, the first porcine kobuvirus isolate from Russia was phylogenetically characterized.

CONCLUSIONS

The applied nanopore sequencing method successfully genotyped the RV isolates and additionally revealed co-circulated species. The study demonstrates high genetic variability of Russian RVA isolates in VP4/VP7 genes and phylogenetically describes local RVB and RVC. Complete characterization of genomic segments is a crucial methodology in tracing the rotavirus's evolution and evaluating interspecies transmissions.

Isolation, characterization and whole-genome analysis of G9 group a rotaviruses in China: Evidence for possible Porcine-Human interspecies transmission

Group A rotaviruses (RVAs) are major causes of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young animals. To enhance our understanding of the relationship between human and animals RVAs, complete genome data are necessary. We screened 92 intestinal and stool samples from diarrheic piglets by RT‒PCR targeting the VP6 gene, revealing a prevalence of 10.9%. RVA was confirmed in two out of 5 calf samples. We successfully isolated two porcine samples using MA104 cell line. The full-length genetic constellation of the two isolates were determined to be G9-P[23]-I5-R1-C1-M1-A8-N1-T7-E1-H1, with close similarity to human Wa-like and porcine strains. Sequence analysis revealed the majority of genes were closely related to porcine and human RVAs. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these isolates might have their ancestral origin from pigs, although some of their gene segments were related to human strains. This study reveals evidence of reassortment and possible interspecies transmission between pigs and humans in China.

Genetic diversity and evolution of G12P[6] DS-1-like and G12P[9] AU-1-like Rotavirus strains in Brazil

In the early 2000s, the global emergence of rotavirus (RVA) G12P[8] genotype was noted, while G12P[6] and G12P[9] combinations remained rare in humans. This study aimed to characterize and phylogenetically analyze three Brazilian G12P[9] and four G12P[6] RVA strains from 2011 to 2020, through RT-PCR and sequencing, in order to enhance our understanding of the genetic relationship between human and animal-origin RVA strains. G12P[6] strains displayed a DS-1-like backbone, showing a distinct genetic clustering. G12P[6] IAL-R52/2020, IAL-R95/2020 and IAL-R465/2019 strains clustered with 2019 Northeastern G12P[6] Brazilian strains and a 2018 Benin strain, whereas IAL-R86/2011 strain grouped with 2010 Northern G12P[6] Brazilian strains and G2P[4] strains from the United States and Belgium. These findings suggest an African genetic ancestry and reassortments with co-circulating American strains sharing the same DS-1-like constellation. No recent zoonotic reassortment was observed, and the DS-1-like constellation detected in Brazilian G12P[6] strains does not seem to be genetically linked to globally reported intergenogroup G1/G3/G9/G8P[8] DS-1-like human strains. G12P[9] strains exhibited an AU-1-like backbone with two different genotype-lineage constellations: IAL-R566/2011 and IAL-R1151/2012 belonged to a VP3/M3.V Lineage, and IAL-R870/2013 to a VP3/M3.II Lineage, suggesting two co-circulating strains in Brazil. This genetic diversity is not observed elsewhere, and the VP3/M3.II Lineage in G12P[9] strains seems to be exclusive to Brazil, indicating its evolution within the country. All three G12P[9] AU-1-like strains were closely relate to G12P[9] strains from Paraguay (2006-2007) and Brazil (2010). Phylogenetic analysis also highlighted that all South American G12P[9] AU-1-like strains had a common origin and supports the hypothesis of their importation from Asia, with no recent introduction from globally circulating G12P[9] strains or reassortments with local G12 strains P[8] or P[6]. Notably, certain genes in the Brazilian G12P[9] AU-1-like strains share ancestry with feline/canine RVAs (VP3/M3.II, NSP4/E3.IV and NSP2/N3.II), whereas NSP1/A3.VI likely originated from artiodactyls, suggesting a history of zoonotic transmission with human strains. This genomic data adds understanding to the molecular epidemiology of G12P[6] and G12P[9] RVA strains in Brazil, offering insights into their genetic diversity and evolution.

Isolation and characterization of a G9P[23] porcine rotavirus strain AHFY2022 in China

Rotavirus group A (RVA) is a main pathogen causing diarrheal diseases in humans and animals. Various genotypes are prevalent in the Chinese pig herd. The genetic diversity of RVA lead to distinctly characteristics. In the present study, a porcine RVA strain, named AHFY2022, was successfully isolated from the small intestine tissue of piglets with severe diarrhea. The AHFY2022 strain was identified by cytopathic effects (CPE) observation, indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), electron microscopy (EM), high-throughput sequencing, and pathogenesis to piglets. The genomic investigation using NGS data revealed that AHFY2022 exhibited the genotypes G9-P[23]-I5-R1-C1-M1-A8-N1-T1-E1-H1, using the online platform the Bacterial and Viral Bioinformatics Resource Center (BV-BRC) (https://www.bv-brc.org/). Moreover, experimental inoculation in 5-day-old and 27-day-old piglets demonstrated that AHFY2022 caused severe diarrhea, fecal shedding, small intestinal villi damage, and colonization in all challenged piglets. Taken together, our results detailed the virological features of the porcine rotavirus G9P[23] from China, including the whole-genome sequences, genotypes, growth kinetics in MA104 cells and the pathogenicity in suckling piglets.

Genetic and immunological characterization of G9 group A porcine rotaviruses in China

G9 group A rotaviruses (RVAs) are considered emerging pathogens in pigs and humans, and pigs are considered a potential host reservoir for human G9 RVAs. In this study, RVAs of two genotypes, G9P[23] and G9P[13], were successfully isolated and the genomic sequences were obtained, the genome constellation is G9-P[23]-I5-R1-C1-M1-A8-N1-T1-E1-H1 and G9-P[13]-I5-R1-C1-M1-A8-N1-T7-E1-H1 respectively. One strain which amplified from clinic faecal sample had an unique genome constellation G9-P[23]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A8-N1-T1-E1-H1. All the genomic segments of three porcine G9 RVAs were closely related to those of porcine and/or porcine-like human RVAs, demonstrating that the three viruses were porcine-human reassortant strains. To study the immunogenicity of the porcine G9 RVAs, 6-week-old female BALB/c mice were immunized with inactivated vaccines derived from porcine RVAs and then mated. The highest titres of neutralizing antibodies against G9P[23] and G9P[13] porcine RVAs (1,291 ± 35.22 and 1:232 ± 39.28 respectively) were produced in mice 7 days after the second immunization. Suckling mice born to the vaccinated dams were protected by maternal antibodies against challenge with homologous strains. Overall, our data demonstrate the occurrence of porcine-human reassortants of G9 RVAs, and extend our understanding of the immunogenicity of porcine G9 rotaviruses. They also provide a basis for the development of a porcine G9 RVA vaccine.

Efficacy of prepartum vaccination against neonatal calf diarrhea in Nelore dams as a prevention measure

Background

Neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) is the leading cause of calf morbidity and mortality in beef cattle. Cow’s vaccination in last stage of pregnancy is one of the most important measures to mitigate the risk of NCD outbreaks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of prepartum single dose vaccination against NCD, especially Bovine Rotavirus type A (BoRVA) and Bovine Coronavirus (BCoV), in Nelore dams and offspring. A total of 117 pregnant cows (n = 81) and heifers (n = 36) were distributed in two groups, vaccinated (VAC: cows = 40; heifers = 19) and non-vaccinated (NVAC: cows = 41; heifers = 17). Vaccination occurred between 60 to 50 days before the expected calving date with a single dose of a water-in-oil (W/O) vaccine, and NVAC group received a dose of saline solution 0.9%. Blood samples were collected before vaccination and 30 days after to evaluate the antibody (Ab) response. Specific IgG1 Abs against BoRVA and BCoV were measured by using an Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA). Calves’ births were monitored, and the transference of passive immunity was evaluated. Diarrhea was monitored in the first 30 days of age, and fecal samples were collected for identification of the etiological agent.

Results

Higher titers of IgG1 Ab against BoRVA and BCoV was observed in the VAC group than NVAC group in the cow (P < 0.0001) and total dams categories (P < 0.0001). The titer of specific IgG1 Abs in the calves’ serum reflected the dams response, observing higher IgG1 Ab titers for BoRVA (P < 0.0016) and BCoV (P < 0.0095) in the offspring born to VAC cows and higher IgG1 Ab titers for BoRVA(P < 0.0171) and BCoV (P < 0.0200) in the offspring born to VAC total dams. The general incidence of diarrhea observed was 18.6% (11/59) and 29.3% (17/58) in the calves born to the VAC and NVAC group, respectively.

Conclusions

Prepartum vaccination with a single dose of the vaccine tested increased the titers of IgG1 Ab against BCoV and BoRVA, and it could be used as a preventive strategy to decrease the NCD occurrence in Nelore calves.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-022-03391-5.

Ocurrence of rotavirus and picobirnavirus in wild and exotic avian from amazon forest

The present study reports the occurrence of rotavirus A (RVA), rotavirus D (RVD), rotavirus F (RVF), rotavirus G (RVG), and picobirnavirus (PBV) in fecal specimens of wild (n = 22), and exotic birds (n = 1) from different cities of Pará state. These animals were hospitalized at Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Pará, Brazil, in a period from January 2018 to June 2019. The animals exhibited different clinical signs, such as diarrhea, malnutrition, dehydration, and fractures. The results showed 39.1% (9/23) of positivity for RVA by RT-qPCR. Among these, one sample (1/9) for the NSP3 gene of T2 genotype was characterized. About 88.9% (8/9) for the VP7 gene belonging to G1, G3 equine like and G6 genotypes, and 55.5% (5/9) for the VP4 gene of P[2] genotype were obtained. In the current study, approximately 4.5% of the samples (1/23) revealed coinfection for the RVA, RVD and RVF groups. Furthermore, picobirnavirus (PBV) was detected in one of the 23 samples tested, and was classified in the Genogroup I. The findings represent the first report of RVA, RVD, RVF, RVG, and PBV genotypes in wild birds in Brazil, and due to wide distribution it can implies potential impacts of RVs, and PBVs on avian health, and other animals contributing to construction of new knowledge, and care perspectives.

Isolation and whole protein characterization of species A and B bovine rotaviruses from Chinese calves

Rotaviruses (RVs) account for severe diarrhea in children and young animals globally. In the current study, the fecal samples of diarrheic calves from a beef farm in Inner Mongolia were screened for RVA by ELISA and RT-PCR, followed by culture of three positive RVA samples in the MA-104 cell line. After 10 blind passages, cytopathic effects (CPE) appeared as detachment, granulation, and clustering of the inoculated cells. The virus isolates were identified by RT-PCR (VP6 gene RVA) and ESI-LC-MS/MS for whole protein sequencing. The protein sequences demonstrated the presence of two strains from species A rotavirus and one RVB strain; RVA/Cow-tc/CHN/35333/2019/G6P[5] was mixed with one RVB strain (RVB/Cow-tc/CHN/35334/2019/G5P[3]) in two samples, and RVA/Cow-tc/CHN/10927/2019/G8P[7] was found in one sample. They are of genotype constellations (G6-P[5]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A3-N2-T6-E2-H3), (G8-P[7]-I5-R1-C1- M2-A1-N1-T1-E1-H1), and (G5-P[3]-I3-R5-C5-A5-N4-H5), respectively. Besides, phylogenetic analysis of the obtained sequences demonstrated viral evolution.

Rotavirus A, C, and H in Brazilian pigs: potential for zoonotic transmission of RVA

Rotaviruses (RVs) have been identified as one of the main infectious causes of diarrhea in young pigs. We determined the prevalence of rotavirus A (RVA), C (RVC), and H (RVH) in pigs on a Brazilian farm. Samples were screened by reverse-transcription (RT)-PCR, and samples positive for RVA were genotyped by PCR amplification and sequencing analysis. Of the 329 fecal samples analyzed, 102 (30.9%) were positive for RV, 25 (7.6%) contained RVA only, 32 (9.7%) contained RVC only, and 31 (9.4%) contained RVH only. Co-circulation, the presence of ≥ 2 RVs in a sample, was detected in 14 (4.2%) samples. Of the 15 animals with diarrhea, 6 (40%) were positive for RV, and of the 314 asymptomatic animals, 96 (30.6%) were positive for RV; there was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (p = 0.441). Genotyping of RVA strains showed co-circulation of genotypes G1, G3, G9-P[8]-I1, and I2-E1. Phylogenetic analysis showed that some of the RVA genotypes found in pigs had high percentages of identity when compared with reference strains from humans, which suggests interspecies transmission. Because RVs may be zoonotic, excretion of RVs into the environment can result in transmission to agricultural workers causing interspecies infections and allowing the emergence of new reassorted viruses.

Genome constellations of rotavirus a isolated from avian species in Brazil, 2008-2015

Rotaviruses are members of the family Reoviridae and are a common cause of acute diarrhea in many mammalian and avian species. They are non-enveloped icosahedral particles and their genome comprises 11 segments of double-stranded RNA, which encodes six structural proteins (VP1-4, VP6-7) and six nonstructural proteins (NSP1-6). Genotypes are defined based upon the diversity found in these genes and viral characterization plays a central role on epidemiological studies and prevention. Here we investigate the distribution of Brazilian RVAs genotypes in 8 chicken samples collected between 2008 and 2015 from different regions by RT-PCR, partial (Sanger) nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis from all rotavirus genes. Although the identified genotypes were typical from avian host species, when analyzed together, they form novel genetic constellations: G19-P[31]-I11-R6-C6-M7-A16-N6-T8-E10-H8 and G19-P[31]-I4-R4-C4-M4-A16-N4-T4-E4-H4. This study highlights that avian rotaviruses are widespread among commercial farms in Brazil, and the co-circulation of at least two different genomic constellations indicates that may present a way bigger genetic variability, that can be increased by the possible transmission events from other birds, lack of specific preventive measures, as well as the different viral evolution mechanisms.

Genetic variability of pig and human rotavirus group A isolates from Slovakia

The aim of this work was the genetic typing of RVA isolates originating from pigs and human patients in Slovakia. Seventy-eight rectal swabs from domestic pigs and 30 stool samples from humans were collected. The whole VP7 (G genotypes), VP6 (I genotypes) and partial VP4 (P genotypes) ORFs were amplified by RT-PCR. Genetic variability was higher amongst porcine sequences, where four G genotypes (G3, G4, G5, G11), two P genotypes (P[6], P[13]) and one I5 genotype were detected. Human RVA strains were represented by two G genotypes (G1, G3), two I genotypes (I1, I2), and one P genotype (P[8]). Genetic analysis did not show a relationship between Slovakian porcine and human RVA strains, but phylogenetic grouping of some Slovakian porcine sequences with Hungarian human sequences in both G and P genotypes was observed.

Longitudinal survey of Teschovirus A, Sapelovirus A, and Enterovirus G fecal excretion in suckling and weaned pigs

Fecal samples from 27 pigs were longitudinally analyzed for Teschovirus A (TV-A), Sapelovirus A (SV-A), and Enterovirus G (EV-G) RNA presence. Suckling piglet fecal samples were negative for the three enteric picornaviruses. However, these picornaviruses were detected in 22/27 weaned pig fecal samples. This study provides new data on TV-A, SV-A, and EV-G infection dynamics.

G26P[19] rotavirus A strain causing acute gastroenteritis in the American continent

In Brazil, the rotavirus A genotype G26 was first identified in suckling piglets, while the P[19] genotype has not been identified in any animal species so far. This report details the genetic characterisation of a G26P[19] RVA strain detected from an eight year-old child, vaccinated with Rotarix^®, hospitalised with acute diarrhoeal disease in Rio de Janeiro in 2015. Most likely, the genome constellation (I5-R1-C1-M1-A8-N1-T1-E1-H1) observed in the G26P[19] Brazilian strain was a result of interspecies transmission events between humans and pigs. In addition, a rearrangement in the NSP5 gene was observed downstream of the 3’ non-coding region.

Human-porcine reassortant rotavirus generated by multiple reassortment events in a Sri Lankan child with diarrhea

A human-porcine reassortant rotavirus, strain R1207, was identified from 74 group A rotaviruses detected in 197 (37.6%) stool samples collected from patients who attended a tertiary care hospital in Ragama, Sri Lanka. This is the first report of a human-porcine reassortant rotavirus in Sri Lanka. The patient was a 12-month-old boy who had been hospitalized with fever and acute diarrhea with a duration of 6 days. The family had pigs at home before the birth of this boy. However, the neighbors still practice pig farming. The genotype constellation of R1207 was G4-P[6]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E1-H1. This is based on the assignment of all the eleven gene segments a full genome-based genotyping system. R1207 showed a 4-2-3-2 genomic electrophoretic migration pattern, which is characteristic of group A rotaviruses. Our analyses revealed that five (NSP2, NSP4, VP1, VP2, and VP7) of the 11 genes were closely related to the respective genes of porcine strains. Although the remaining six genes (NSP1, NSP3, NSP5, VP3, VP4, and VP6) were related to human strains, with the exception of the gene sequence of NSP1, all of these human strains were human-porcine reassortants. With a genogroup 1 genetic backbone, this strain was possibly formed via multiple genetic reassortments. We do not know whether this strain is circulating in pigs, as no data are available on porcine rotaviruses in Sri Lanka. Surveillance should be strengthened to determine the epidemiology of this genotype of rotavirus in Sri Lanka and to assess whether the infection was limited or sustained by ongoing human-to-human transmission.

The dynamics of a Chinese porcine G9P[23] rotavirus production in MA-104 cells and intestines of 3-day-old piglets

Rotavirus A (RVA) G9 genotype is recognized as an emerging genotype which is spreading worldwide, however, our knowledge on pathogenicity of this virus is limited. In this study, porcine RVA strain HN03 was successfully isolated on MA-104 cells, and the isolate was propagated continuously for 7 passages after a virus cloning at passage 3. The virus titers from 4 to 10 passages ranged from 10^7.1 to 10^8.1 TCID₅₀/ml. The growth curve of HN03 strain in cell culture was determined, and the virus production dynamics was confirmed by immunoperoxidase monolayer assay (IPMA). Sequence and phylogenetic analyses based on full-length VP7 and partial VP4 genes indicated that HN03 strain belongs to genotype G9P[23]. In addition, the sixth passage of strain HN03 in cell culture was subjected to 3-day-old piglets. All infected piglets developed severe watery diarrhea within 24 hr post-inoculation (hpi), but recovered from disease after 72 hpi. RVA antigen could be detected by IHC in the cytoplasm of villous enterocytes as early as 2 hr after appearance of clinical symptoms and virus antigen load kept increasing in the next 30 hr. The dynamics of RVA HN03 strain proliferation on cells and in pigs extended our understanding of rotavirus pathogenicity.

Genetic determinants restricting the reassortment of heterologous NSP2 genes into the simian rotavirus SA11 genome

Rotaviruses (RVs) can evolve through the process of reassortment, whereby the 11 double-stranded RNA genome segments are exchanged among strains during co-infection. However, reassortment is limited in cases where the genes or encoded proteins of co-infecting strains are functionally incompatible. In this study, we employed a helper virus-based reverse genetics system to identify NSP2 gene regions that correlate with restricted reassortment into simian RV strain SA11. We show that SA11 reassortants with NSP2 genes from human RV strains Wa or DS-1 were efficiently rescued and exhibit no detectable replication defects. However, we could not rescue an SA11 reassortant with a human RV strain AU-1 NSP2 gene, which differs from that of SA11 by 186 nucleotides (36 amino acids). To map restriction determinants, we engineered viruses to contain chimeric NSP2 genes in which specific regions of AU-1 sequence were substituted with SA11 sequence. We show that a region spanning AU-1 NSP2 gene nucleotides 784–820 is critical for the observed restriction; yet additional determinants reside in other gene regions. In silico and in vitro analyses were used to predict how the 784–820 region may impact NSP2 gene/protein function, thereby informing an understanding of the reassortment restriction mechanism.

Whole genome characterisation of a porcine-like human reassortant G26P[19] Rotavirus A strain detected in a child hospitalised for diarrhoea in Nepal, 2007

A rare G26 Rotavirus A strain RVA/Human-wt/NPL/07N1760/2007/G26P[19] was detected in a child hospitalised for acute diarrhoea in Kathmandu, Nepal. The complete genome of 07N1760 was determined in order to explore its evolutionary history as well as examine its relationship to a Vietnamese strain RVA/Human-wt/VNM/30378/2009/G26P[19], the only G26 strain whose complete genotype constellation is known. The genotype constellation of 07N1760 was G26-P[19]-I12-R1-C1-M1-A8-N1-T1-E1-H1, a unique constellation identical to that of the Vietnamese 30378 except the VP6 gene. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that both strains were unrelated at the lineage level despite their similar genotype constellation. The I12 VP6 gene of 07N1760 was highly divergent from the six currently deposited I12 sequences in the GenBank. Except for its NSP2 gene, the remaining genes of 07N1760 shared lineages with porcine and porcine-like human RVA genes. The NSP2 gene belonged to a human RVA N1 lineage which was distinct from typical porcine and porcine-like human lineages. In conclusion, the Nepali G26P[19] strain 07N1760 was a porcine RVA strain which derived an NSP2 gene from a human Wa-like RVA strain by intra-genotype reassortment probably after transmission to the human host.

Longitudinal study of bovine rotavirus group A in newborn calves from vaccinated and unvaccinated dairy herds

Reports of rotavirus excretion in calves usually result from cross-sectional studies, and in face of the conflicting results regarding protection of calves born to vaccinated dams against diarrhea, the aim of the present study was to evaluate rotavirus excretion in dairy calves born to vaccinated or unvaccinated dams, to identify the genotypes of bovine rotavirus group A (RVA) strains isolated from these animals as well as to investigate characteristics of the disease in naturally occurring circumstances throughout the first month of life. Five hundred fifty-two fecal samples were taken from 56 calves, 28 from each farm and, in the vaccinated herd, 11/281 samples (3.91%) taken from six different calves tested positive for RVA while in the unvaccinated herd, 3/271 samples (1.11%) taken from 3 different calves tested positive. The genotyping of the VP7 genes showed 91.2% nucleotide sequence identity to G6 genotype (NCDV strain), and for the VP4 gene, strains from the vaccinated herd were 96.6% related to B223 strain, while strains from the unvaccinated herd were 88% related to P[5] genotype (UK strain). Genotypes found in this study were G6P[11] in the vaccinated herd and G6P[5] in the unvaccinated herd. All calves infected with rotavirus presented an episode of diarrhea in the first month of life, and the discrepancy between the genotypes found in the commercial vaccine (G6P[1] and G10P[11]) and the rotavirus strains circulating in both vaccinated and unvaccinated herds show the importance of keeping constant surveillance in order to avoid potential causes of vaccination failure.

Novel G9 rotavirus strains co-circulate in children and pigs, Taiwan

Molecular epidemiologic studies collecting information of the spatiotemporal distribution of rotavirus VP7 (G) and VP4 (P) genotypes have shown evidence for the increasing global importance of genotype G9 rotaviruses in humans and pigs. Sequence comparison of the VP7 gene of G9 strains identified different lineages to prevail in the respective host species although some of these lineages appear to be shared among heterologous hosts providing evidence of interspecies transmission events. The majority of these events indicates the pig-to-human spillover, although a reverse route of transmission cannot be excluded either. In this study, new variants of G9 rotaviruses were identified in two children with diarrhea and numerous pigs in Taiwan. Whole genome sequence and phylogenetic analyses of selected strains showed close genetic relationship among porcine and human strains suggesting zoonotic origin of Taiwanese human G9 strains detected in 2014-2015. Although the identified human G9P[19] and G9P[13] rotaviruses represented minority strains, the repeated detection of porcine-like rotavirus strains in Taiwanese children over time justifies the continuation of synchronized strain surveillance in humans and domestic animals.

The interaction of Rotavirus A pig/China/NMTL/2008/G9P[23] VP6 with cellular beta-actin is required for optimal RV replication and infectivity

VP6 forms the intermediate layer of the rotavirus (RV) capsid, and it plays important roles after RV penetration and uncoating. These functions rely on its ability to interact with host cell proteins. To gain further insights into the role of VP6 in porcine RV (PoRV) infection, a glutathione S-transferase pull-down assay was utilized to find unknown cellular factors that interact with VP6. In this study, beta-actin, tropomyosin 1, and 40S ribosomal protein S16 were identified as interaction partners of VP6 by mass spectrometry and co-immunoprecipitation. The interaction with beta-actin was further studied. By immunoelectron microscopy, we observed VP6 proteins that labeled with colloidal gold localized on the actin microfilaments at the early stage of PoRV infection, we also found VP6 distributed in the ribosome, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and nucleus in the infected cells. Actin binding protein spin-down assays verified PoRV double-layered particles (DLPs) bound to F-actin in vitro, but didn't have actin polymerization enhancement activity. After a small interfering RNA (siACTB) was used to knock down beta-actin expression, PoRV VP6 expression and the infection rates of newly synthesized virions releasing into culture supernatants decreased dramatically. Our results confirm and extend previous reports indicating that the interaction between PoRV VP6 and beta-actin plays vital roles in the PoRV lifecycle.

Distinguishing the genotype 1 genes and proteins of human Wa-like rotaviruses vs. porcine rotaviruses

Group A rotaviruses (RVAs) are 11-segmented, double-stranded RNA viruses and important causes of gastroenteritis in the young of many animal species. Previous studies have suggested that human Wa-like RVAs share a close evolutionary relationship with porcine RVAs. Specifically, the VP1-VP3 and NSP2-5/6 genes of these viruses are usually classified as genotype 1 with >81% nucleotide sequence identity. Yet, it remains unknown whether the genotype 1 genes and proteins of human Wa-like strains are distinguishable from those of porcine strains. To investigate this, we performed comprehensive bioinformatic analyses using all known genotype 1 gene sequences. The RVAs analyzed represent wildtype strains isolated from humans or pigs at various geographical locations during the years of 2004-2013, including 11 newly-sequenced porcine RVAs from Brazil. We also analyzed archival strains that were isolated during the years of 1977-1992 as well as atypical strains involved in inter-species transmission between humans and pigs. We found that, in general, the genotype 1 genes of typical modern human Wa-like RVAs clustered together in phylogenetic trees and were separate from those of typical modern porcine RVAs. The only exception was for the NSP5/6 gene, which showed no host-specific phylogenetic clustering. Using amino acid sequence alignments, we identified 34 positions that differentiated the VP1-VP3, NSP2, and NSP3 genotype 1 proteins of typical modern human Wa-like RVAs versus typical modern porcine RVAs and documented how these positions vary in the archival/unusual isolates. No host-specific amino acid positions were identified for NSP4, NSP5, or NSP6. Altogether, the results of this study support the notion that human Wa-like RVAs and porcine RVAs are evolutionarily related, but indicate that some of their genotype 1 genes and proteins have diverged over time possibly as a reflection of sequestered replication and protein co-adaptation in their respective hosts.