Genetic characteristics and analysis of a novel rotavirus G3P[22] identified in diarrheic feces of Korean rabbit

New Genotype G3 P[8] of Rotavirus Identified in a Mexican Gastroenteric Rabbit

Rotavirus species A (RVA) is a major cause of acute viral gastroenteritis in young humans and diverse animal species. The study of the genetic characteristics of RVAs that infect rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) (lapine strain [LRV]) has been limited, and, to date, the most common and epidemiologically important combinations of G/P genotypes in rabbits have been reported to be G3 P[14] and G3 P[22]. In this study, a rotavirus species A detected from an outbreak of enteritis in a Mexican commercial rabbitry was genotypically characterized. Based on sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the VP7 and VP4 genes, the strain identified in this study (C-3/15) demonstrated a G3 P[8] genotype of rotavirus, which had not previously been reported in rabbits. Moreover, both genes were closely related to human, not lapine, rotaviruses. The G3 genotype has been reported in a wide variety of hosts, including humans and rabbits, whereas the P[8] genotype has only been reported in humans. Because this combination of genotypes has never been identified in rabbits, it is proposed that the finding presented here is possibly the result of an interspecies transmission event. This is the first work to study the molecular characteristics of rotaviruses in rabbits in Mexico, as well as the identification of human G3 and P[8] genotypes in a rabbit with enteric disease.

Zoonotic RVA: State of the Art and Distribution in the Animal World

Rotavirus species A (RVA) is a pathogen mainly affecting children under five years old and young animals. The infection produces acute diarrhea in its hosts and, in intensively reared livestock animals, can cause severe economic losses. In this study, we analyzed all RVA genomic constellations described in animal hosts. This review included animal RVA strains in humans. We compiled detection methods, hosts, genotypes and complete genomes. RVA was described in 86 animal species, with 52% (45/86) described by serology, microscopy or the hybridization method; however, strain sequences were not described. All of these reports were carried out between 1980 and 1990. In 48% (41/86) of them, 9251 strain sequences were reported, with 28% being porcine, 27% bovine, 12% equine and 33% from several other animal species. Genomic constellations were performed in 80% (32/40) of hosts. Typical constellation patterns were observed in groups such as birds, domestic animals and artiodactyls. The analysis of the constellations showed RVA's capacity to infect a broad range of species, because there are RVA genotypes (even entire constellations) from animal species which were described in other studies. This suggests that this virus could generate highly virulent variants through gene reassortments and that these strains could be transmitted to humans as a zoonotic disease, making future surveillance necessary for the prevention of future outbreaks.

Comprehensive depiction of novel heavy metal tolerant and EPS producing bioluminescent Vibrio alginolyticus PBR1 and V. rotiferianus PBL1 confined from marine organisms

The current study depicts the isolation of luminescent bacteria from fish and squid samples that were collected from Veraval fish harbour. From Indian mackerel, total 14 and from squid, total 23 bioluminescent bacteria were isolated using luminescence agar medium. Two bioluminescent bacteria with highest relative luminescence intensity PBR1 and PBL1 were selected. These two isolates were subjected to detailed biochemical characterization and were tested positive for 5 out of 13 biochemical tests. Furthermore, both PBR1 and PBL1 were able to ferment cellobiose, dextrose, fructose, galactose, maltose, mannose, sucrose and trehalose with acid production. Based on 16S rRNA partial gene sequence analysis, PBR1 was identified as Vibrio alginolyticus and PBL1 as V. rotiferianus. Antibiotic susceptibility test using paper-disc method showed that PBR1 and PBL1 were sensitive to chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, co-trimoxazole, gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, linezolid ad roxithromycin out of 18 antibiotics tested. Moreover, both strains were evaluated for their exopolysachharide (EPS) producing ability where PBR1 and PBL1 were able to yield 1.34 g% (w/v) and 2.45 g% (w/v) EPS respectively from 5 g% (v/v) sucrose concentration. Heavy metal toxicity assessment was carried out using agar well diffusion method with eight heavy metals and both the strains were sensitive to As(III), Cd(II), Ce(II), Cr(III), Cu(II), Hg(II) and while they showed resistance to Pb(II) and Sr(II). Based on these results, a study was conducted to demonstrate bio-removal of Pb and Sr by EPS of PBR1 and PBL1. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra revealed the functional groups of EPS involved in interaction with the heavy metals. Owing to the sensitivity for the remaining heavy metals, these bioluminescent bacteria can be used further for the development of luminescence-based biosensor.