Rotavirus diarrhea in Kashmir: Detection of genotype G12P[6] strains

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Background: Rotavirus genotype G12P[6] was detected among children with acute gastroenteritis in Kashmir Valley-India. The study was conducted in two major hospitals of the Valley from Jan 2006 to Jan 2007. Six (6) cases of G12 infection were identified having P[6] specifity. Three (3) cases of G12 P[6] were detected by PCR and other three (3) by gene sequencing. Sequence analysis of the VP7 gene from three neonatal strains indicated a high level of aminoacid homology (98-99%) to other G12 strains reported world wide, suggesting introduction of novel rotavirus strain serotype into the community.The G12 strains were detected sporadically and were not associated with any outbreak or nosocomial infection.Genetic characterization of VP7 gene of these strains revealed one lineage and a very little aminoacid divergence <=2%. The 6 cases represented clinical etiology of watery diarrhea, severe vomiting and dehydration and only one patient with low grade fever. The study documents the first detection of G12 strain from Kashmir-India.

Methods: Detection by RNA-PAGE and reverse transcription and amplification of the VP4 and VP7 genes. Non-typeable samples were subjected to sequencing of VP7 gene and the genotype determined by comparison. Phylogenetic tree was constructed by clustal X (version 1.81) software.

Results: (45%) prevalence in the age group of <5 years. Majority of the positive cases were suffering from loose motion with watery stools, persistent vomiting, dehydration and fever. The 6 cases of G12P[6] were all children between 6 months to 10 months of age, collected in a months time between 30th of May 2006 to 29th of June 2006.The G12 strains were detected during summer season. The phylogenetic analysis of VP7 gene sequence shows high degree of amino acid conservation with a South African strain and other globally reported strains.

Conclusion: In conclusion present study documents’ first detection of G12 strains in Kashmir India. Rich diversity of rotavirus strains circulating in India posses a question for evolution of more novel strains. Hence efforts for carrying surveillance on large scale population should be carried in order to access the percentage prevalence of this strain in the community. Infants (≤8 months) under 2 years of age are susceptible to rotavirus infection as has been seen in this study