Molecular analysis of human group A rotavirus G10P[14] genotype in Slovenia

BackgroundRotavirus G10 genotype is one of the main rotaviruses circulating in cattle throughout the world but is also found in asymptomatic and symptomatic infections in children, and thought to be acquired through zoonotic transmission.ObjectivesTo determine the genetic diversity of G10P[14] rotavirus strains detected in various regions in Slovenia during a study on the molecular epidemiology of rotaviruses conducted in 2007.Study designFive G10P[14] rotavirus strains detected in Slovenia in 2007 were subjected to sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the genes encoding VP7, NSP4 and partial VP4 (VP8*) and VP6 rotavirus proteins.ResultsSequence and phylogenetic analysis of the four genes analyzed revealed a significant genetic diversity. Overall, the Slovenian G10P[14] are divided into two phylogenetic lineages.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the G10P[14] strains found in Slovenian children did not emerge from a common source but possibly result of at least two independent zoonotic transmissions. Phylogenetic analysis and comparison with sequence data available in GenBank points towards a bovine origin to these strains.