Porcine rotavirus C strains carrying human‐like NSP4 and NSP5

Abstract

Background Rotavirus C (RVC) is an enteric pathogen that affects humans and animals around the world. Methods In this study, we characterized the genetic diversity of RVC strains detected in asymptomatic Brazilian pigs by sequencing the NSP4, NSP5 and VP6 genes. Results The results of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction showed that 53 of 579 samples (9.2%) contained RVC. Positive samples were genotyped by sequencing gene segments NSP4, and NSP5. Most of the RCV strains encountered were classified into typically porcine genotypes: E1‐H1. In two strains, BP182 and BP208, the NSP4 gene grouped with E2‐RVC human strains with 94.2%–96.5% nucleotide identity, although the NSP5 gene was porcine‐like (H1). In strain SD67, the NSP5 gene grouped with human H2‐RVC with 92.5%–98.7% nucleotide identity and the NSP4 gene grouped with porcine strains (E1). Two strains (BP208 and SD67) were also genotyped by sequencing gene segment VP6. The VP6 gene grouped with porcine strains, I6 (89.3%–90.2% nucleotide identity) and I5 (88.7%–90.5% nucleotide identity), for strains BP208 and SD67, respectively. Conclusions These results are indicative of genomic reassortment between RVC strains of human and porcine origin. In recent years, the incidence of RVC infection among humans has increased significantly. It is important to measure the frequency of interspecies transmission in order to monitor the evolution of these viruses and to identify rearranged strains that may lead to an epidemic.

Whole-genome classification of rotavirus C and genetic diversity of porcine strains in the USA

“…Reassortment of rotaviruses may lead to the development of zoonotic potential in animal rotaviruses, causing human diseases [23–26]. Despite some reports of porcine RVC strains that carry human-like segments [2], we have not seen very closely related human and animal RVC strains at the whole-genome level. In this study, however, we have observed some segments with very high identity between human and porcine strains.…”

“…We also found one strain that has two different N-segments, N1 and N9, but all other segments appear to be unique, single segments. Reassortment is a common way of generating variations in viruses with a segmented genome [2,12,21,22]. Yet, we have not seen reports on a strain that has more than one segment for a given gene.…”

“…Twenty-six genotypes were identified, P[1]-P [26], of which P [22]-P [26] were newly identified in this study. All human strains were classified to P [2], bovine strains to P [3], canine strains to P [11] and porcine strains to other genotypes, including P [1], P [4]-P [10] and P [12]-P [26] (Fig. 2a).…”

“…Rotavirus C (RVC) has a global distribution, including North America [1], South America [2], Asia [3], Europe [4], Australia [5] and Africa [6,7]. Previous studies illustrated its association with diarrhoeal disease in both humans and animals [8,9].…”

Molecular Characterization of Rotavirus C from Rescued Sloth Bears, India: Evidence of Zooanthroponotic Transmission

“…Rotavirus C (RVC) is a significant cause of diarrhea globally, affecting individuals of all age groups [ 13 , 14 , 15 ]. Its first report dates back to 1980 when it was identified in pigs in the United States [ 16 ], and subsequent studies have identified it in humans, dairy cattle, ferrets, and dogs [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ]. RVC infections in pigs have been reported worldwide, often associated with epidemics of diarrhea [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ].…”