MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF VP7, VP4, AND NSP4 GENES OF P[8]G9 ROTAVIRUS STRAINS DETECTED IN SAUDI ARABIA: First characterization of Phylogenetic and Sequencing analysis in the Middle East.

Objectives: Serotype G9 rotaviruses have emerged as one of the leading causes of gastroenteritis in children worldwide since the mid-1990s, suggesting that G9 is a globally important serotype. Methodology: The molecular epidemiology of G9 rotaviruses in two Saudi's cities, Maddina and Gizan, from 2004 to 2005, was investigated in this study. Results: These G9 strains belonged to P[8] lineage 2 (P-like) VP4, genetic group B (Wa-like) NSP4, and long electropherotype. The Saudi Arabian G9 VP7 gene had a 98% nucleotide sequence identity and grouped with the recently circulated G9 strains belonged to the third lineage. Conclusion: Molecular characterization of VP7, VP4, NSP4 and PAGE suggest that rotavirus G9 could have been introduced to Saudi as a novel G9P[8] strain. This study is the first to describe Molecular characterization of G9 Strains in the Middle East. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]