Genetic distribution of group A human rotavirus types isolated in Gyunggi province of Korea, 1999–2002
Received 17 April 2006; received in revised form 6 October 2006; accepted 10 October 2006. published online 24 November 2006.
Abstract
Background
Human rotavirus genotypes G1–G4 and G9 are the major etiological agents of infantile gastroenteritis. G1 was the most prevalent in Korea during the 10-year period prior to 1997. However, between 1998 and 1999, G4 was the predominant type in Korea, as it was in other Asian countries.
Objectives
The circulating pattern and genetic variability of group A human rotavirus in Gyunggi, Korea, 1999–2002, were examined in 189 stool specimens.
Study design
Stool samples were collected from children with diarrhea, and group A human rotavirus type was determined using multiplex RT-PCR in those specimens found to be positive for rotavirus by ELISA. Each genotype was sequenced, and phylogenetic analysis was performed on the sequences.
Result
We found significant variability from year to year in the prevalence of different G and P types of rotavirus. We also found relatively high prevalence rates for types normally considered to be uncommon. Furthermore, we found that the most prevalent combination of G and P types changed from year to year. Although the combination of G and P types changed every year, the sequence of G genotypes showed a high level of similarity (>97%) compared to those of strains from other Asian countries.
Conclusion
We report the types of rotavirus circulating in Gyunggi province, Korea from 1999 to 2002. This information on rotavirus diversity has important implications for rotavirus vaccine efficacy and future vaccine development.
aDepartment of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 136-705, Korea
bInstitute for Viral Diseases, Medical Science Research Center, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
cThe Bank for the Pathogenic Virus, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
dCentral Research Institute, GreenCross Vaccine Corporation, Member of the Rhein Biotech Group, Yongin, Korea
eDepartment of Pediatric, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Gyunggi province, Korea
Corresponding author at: Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 136-705, Korea. Tel.: +82 2 920 6168; fax: +82 2 923 3645.
ABSTRACT