Genotype G9 is an emerging genotype among species A rotavirus (RVA) circulating in humans and pigs worldwide. In this study, an RVA strain designated RVA/Dog-tc/CHN/SCCD-A/2017/G9P[23] was isolated in cell culture from a pet dog stool sample with acute diarrhea, and its whole genome was sequenced. The genotype constellation of SCCD-A was G9-P[23]-I5-R1-C1-M1-A8-N1-T1-E1-H1. All genome segments except the VP1 gene were closely related to the genes from porcine RVA strains or porcine-like human RVA strains. On the other hand, the VP1 gene clustered in a distinct lineage only with that of a G5P[6] porcine-like human RVA, preventing the identification of the exact host species origin, but very unlikely to be originated from human RVA. In addition, phylogenetic analysis showed that the G9 VP7 gene of SCCD-A clustered into a novel sublineage within the lineage III of G9. This first isolation of a G9P[23] RVA from a pet dog may justify the exploration of the role dogs play in the interaction of RVA circulating in pigs and humans.

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.

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