Rare Types of Rotaviruses Isolated from Children with Acute Gastroenteritis in Patras, Greece

Abstract

Background: Acute diarrhea remains a major public health issue worldwide, with gastroenteritis agents associated with a high morbidity, especially in infants and young children. A 1-year study (2009-2010) of rotavirus (RV)-caused pediatric diarrhea was performed on hospitalized children admitted with symptoms of acute diarrhea to the University Hospital of Patras, Greece. Methods: Twenty-nine fecal samples were investigated for RVs, adenoviruses (AdVs), and enteroviruses (EVs) in an attempt to characterize these enteric viruses, which have been implicated in hospitalized diarrhea. Results: A 44.8% (13/29) incidence of viral infection was reported for the viral targets. Monoinfections accounted for 31% (9/29), while bi-infections accounted for 13.4% (4/29). Sequencing of positive samples allowed identification of RVs G4P[8] (2/29), G9P[8] (1/29), and interestingly of the rare type G12P[8] (2/29). AdV types 1, 2, and 6 were also identified in 4/29, 1/29, and 1/29 of the samples, respectively. Regarding the EVs, EV71 (2/29), coxsackievirus A4 (1/29), echovirus 11 (1/29), and EV96 (1/29) were typed. Conclusion: The results of the present study, and specifically the detection of rare RV G12 and EV71 strains, address the need for continuous epidemiological surveys to provide epidemiological pictures of pediatric viral infections circulating in the community.

Molecular analysis of human adenoviruses in hospitalized children <5 years old with acute gastroenteritis in Tehran, Iran

“…The HAdV‐41 was the most predominant, followed by HAdV‐1, HAdV‐2, HAdV‐3, and HAdV‐6. Previous studies in Iran have demonstrated that HAdV‐40 and 41 were the only types found in children with gastroenteritis, while present study indicated the existence of “non‐EAdV” types 1, 2, 3, and 6, which might be responsible for gastroenteritis, and have also been reported frequently in other countries . However, coinfections with other acute gastroenteritis infectious agents cannot be ruled out in this case.…”

Epidemiological study of unusual rotavirus strains and molecular characterization of emerging P[14] strains isolated from children with acute gastroenteritis during a 15-year period

“…This is the first report of unusual P[14] RVA strains detected in Greece focusing on phylogenetic analysis of a part of the VP4 gene, which suggests their potential zoonotic origin. Previous studies have shown the genotype distribution of common and less common genotypes circulating in Greek children [ 19 , 24 , 56 , 57 ]. Continuous surveillance of the distribution of RVA genotypes and their evolution is crucial for a better understanding of this virus, the disease that it causes, and the potential need to develop new RVA vaccines.…”

Epidemiological and phylogenetic characterization of unusual P[14] rotavirus strains in hospitalized children with acute gastroenteritis

“…A limitation of our study is the weakness to investigate the complete genotype constellation of these P [14] strains using NGS methodologies in order to reveal possible reassortment events. This is the rst molecular report of the unusual P [14] RVA strains detected in Greece, which focuses on phylogenetic analysis and enhances their potential zoonotic origin, while previous studies have described the genotype distribution of common and less common genotypes circulating in Greek children [19], [46], [47]. The continuous surveillance of RVA genotypes distribution and genomic evolution is crucial to understand better this virus, the disease that causes and the potential need to develop new RVA vaccines.…”