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Molecular characterization of rotavirus strains from children in Toronto, Canada

Authors :
Karen Siu
Eleni Kostouros
Martin Petric
Elizabeth Lee Ford-Jones
Raymond Tellier
Source :
Journal of Clinical Virology. 28:77-84
Publication Year :
2003
Publisher :
Elsevier BV, 2003.

Abstract

Background: Rotaviruses are the most common agents of diarrheal illness of infants and young children. Gastroenteritis caused by rotaviruses is also more likely to be associated with severe dehydration compared to other viral gastroenteritis. Objectives: We determined the G-serotype of rotaviruses circulating in the Metro Toronto-Peel County region, during the 1997–1998 winter. Study design: Stool samples were collected in Metro Toronto-Peel county region from November 1, 1997 to June 30, 1998. Rotavirus presence was demonstrated by electron microscopy and ELISA. A reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay for the amplification of the near-complete RHA segment 9 of rotavirus was developed and used to determine the G-serotype by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Results: A total of 135 rotavirus isolates were used as templates for RT-PCR. Of these, four could not be amplified and one revealed a mixed infection. The G-serotypes could be unambiguously determined for the other isolates. Of these, 85 were of G-serotype 1, 41 of G2, 1 of G3, 1 of G4, and 2 of G9. Conclusion: Our RT-PCR assay enables unambiguous determination of the G-serotype. The overall relative incidence of G-serotypes in Toronto is similar to that of other developed countries. Serotype G9 was present at low levels in Toronto.

Details

ISSN :
13866532
Volume :
28
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Journal of Clinical Virology
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....ae881e2e26354924c4ab5e60c281cff8
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/s1386-6532(02)00266-4