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

• Published in: Infection, genetics and evolution Vol. 32; pp. 239 - 254
• Main Authors: Silva, Fernanda D.F., Espinoza, Luis R.L., Tonietti, Paloma O., Barbosa, Bruna R.P., Gregori, Fabio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.06.2015
• Subjects: Animals; Brazil; Complete genome sequencing; Constellation; DNA, Viral - genetics; Feces - virology; Genetic Association Studies; Genetic Variation; Genome, Viral; Genotype; Group A rotaviruses; Open Reading Frames; Phylogeny; Rotavirus - classification; Rotavirus - genetics; Rotavirus - isolation & purification; Sequence Alignment; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Specimen Handling; Swine; Swine - virology; Viral Proteins - genetics; Brazil; Brazil; Complete genome sequencing; Swine; Constellation; Group A rotaviruses
• ISSN: 1567-1348; 1567-7257
• DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2015.03.016

•We defined the complete gene constellation of porcine Rotavirus strains.•Results to the analysis of this study have not yet been reported in Brazil.•Our data indicate that most segments had an overall porcine backbone.•We report porcine RVA strains bearing the T7 genotype for the first time in Brazil.•We examine inter-genotypic variation throughout the porcine RVA genome. Group A rotaviruses (RVAs) are leading causes of viral diarrhea in children and in the young of many animal species, particularly swine. In the current study, porcine RVAs were found in fecal specimens from symptomatic piglets on 4 farms in Brazil during the years of 2012–2013. Using RT-PCR, Sanger nucleotide sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses, the whole genomes of 12 Brazilian porcine RVA strains were analyzed. Specifically, the full-length open reading frame (ORF) sequences were determined for the NSP2-, NSP3-, and VP6-coding genes, and partial ORF sequences were determined for the VP1-, VP2-, VP3-, VP4-, VP7-, NSP1-, NSP4-, and NSP5/6-coding genes. The results indicate that all 12 strains had an overall porcine-RVA-like backbone with most segments being designated as genotype 1, with the exception of the VP6- and NSP1-coding genes, which were genotypes I5 and A8, respectively. These results add to our growing understanding of porcine RVA genetic diversity and will provide a platform for monitoring the role of animals as genetic reservoirs of emerging human RVAs strains.