Identification of a multi-reassortant G12P[9] rotavirus with novel VP1, VP2, VP3 and NSP2 genotypes in a child with acute gastroenteritis

- Detection of a G12P[9] strain (ME848/12) in Italy in 2012.
- Full length genome analysis of ME848/12 showed a complex genetic constellation.
- ME848/12 strain likely derived from multiple reassortment events.
- Four novel genotypes involving the VP1, VP2, VP3 and NSP2 genes were established.

The G12 rotavirus genotype is globally emerging to cause severe gastroenteritis in children. Common G12 rotaviruses have either a Wa-like or DS-1-like genome constellation, while some G12 strains may have unusual genome composition. In this study, we determined the full-genome sequence of a G12P[9] strain (ME848/12) detected in a child hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis in Italy in 2012. Strain ME848/12 showed a complex genetic constellation (G12-P[9]-I17-R12-C12-M11-A12-N12-T7-E6-H2), likely derived from multiple reassortment events, with the VP1, VP2, VP3 and NSP2 genes being established as novel genotypes R12, C12, M11 and N12, respectively. Gathering sequence data on human and animal rotaviruses is important to trace the complex evolutionary history of atypical RVAs.