Full Genome Sequence Analysis of the Predominant and Uncommon G9p[4] Rotavirus Strains Circulating in Tehran, Iran, 2021–2022: Evidence for Inter and Intra-Genotype Recombination Publisher Pubmed



Mirhoseinian M¹ ; Jalilvand S¹ ; Yaghooti MM⁴ ; Kachooei A² ; Latifi T³ ; Feizi M⁴ ; Motamedirad M⁴ ; Azadmanesh K⁴ ; Marashi SM¹ ; Roohvand F⁴ ; Shoja Z^{4, 5}
Source: Virology Published:2024

Abstract

Group A rotaviruses (RVAs) are a major cause of acute gastroenteritis in children under 5 years of age worldwide. Herein, the genetic sequences of 11 RNA segments from three uncommon G9P[4] RVA strains found in the stool samples of children under 5 years of age in Iran were analyzed using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. The genomic constellations of these three uncommon G9P[4] strains indicated the presence of the double and quadruple reassortants of two G9P[4] strains, containing the VP7/NSP2 and VP7/VP2/NSP2/NSP4 genes on a DS-1-like genetic background, respectively. The genome of one strain indicated a Wa-like genetic backbone in a single-reassortant with the VP4 of the DS1-like human strains. With the exception of VP1, VP2, VP7, NSP2, NSP3, and NSP4 genes, which clustered with RVA of human origins belonging to cognate gene sequences of genogroup 1/2 genotypes/lineages, the remaining five genes (VP8/VP4, VP3, VP6, NSP1, NSP5) displayed direct evidence of recombination. It is presumed that the presence of uncommon G9P[4] strains in Iran is not linked to vaccination pressure, but rather to the high prevalence of RVA co-infection or the direct import of these uncommon RVA reassortants strains from other countries (especially those that have implemented RV vaccination). © 2024 Elsevier Inc.