1%) in
the present study highlight their dominance in causing gastroenteritis infections in adults. It may be noted that in this study false ELISA positivity of nontypeable rotavirus strains was ruled out in 77% of the strains by RT-PCR and sequencing of the VP6 gene. The remaining 23% of the samples (strains) may have contained empty particles or virus at such low levels that there was insufficient template for amplification. The possibility of the presence of PCR inhibitors that may cause interference in the assay also needs to be considered. Tenofovir in vitro The co-circulation of lineages IIC and IID of the G2 strains differed from an earlier report of I and IIB from India [15] and IIC from Ireland [27]. All of the G9 strains clustered in the L3 lineage commonly circulating worldwide [27] and [32]. Likewise, all of the P[4] strains clustered in the widely detected P[4]-5 lineage [15] and [27]. The proportion of circulating VP6 I1 and I2 genotypes was similar to that reported earlier from India [33]. The presence of the rare NSP4 E6 genotype is reported for the first time in adolescents and adults in this study, check details although this genotype was detected
earlier in children from Bangladesh [29]. Occurrence of intergenogroup reassortments has been considered as random events that contribute to the emergence of new combinations of serotypes and genotypes within the human population [34]. In the present study, sequence analysis of VP4, VP6, VP7 and NSP4 genes revealed intergenogroup reassortment, however, analysis limited to these genes may not be adequate to obtain definite data on the overall genetic diversity or origin of the strains. Complete genome sequencing of strains will be of importance to determine the genotype constellation in common and reassortant human group-A rotaviruses.
In conclusion, all group-A RV infections have been detected to be a notable cause of acute gastroenteritis in adolescents and adults from Pune, India. The pattern of their transmission between paediatric and adult populations is not clearly understood. The finding of occurrence of new genotype combinations in the adolescents/adults indicates that understanding genomic diversity and evolution of rotaviruses requires characterisation of strains from all age strata. The authors have no conflict of interest. The authors thank Dr. D.T.Mourya, Director, NIV for supporting this study. Thanks are due to Dr. A.N. Borhalkar from Shreyas Clinic and Dr V.R. Kalrao from Bharati hospital for extending co-operation in sample collection. The assistance provided by Mr. P.S. Jadhav and Mr. M.S. Shinde during sample collection from the hospitals is gratefully acknowledged. “
“Rotavirus is the most important cause of severe diarrhoeal illness in infants and young children, worldwide [1].