猪轮状病毒vp4基因的克隆及其在昆虫细胞中的表达

本研究扩增猪轮状病毒中国分离株JL94株VP4蛋白主要抗原编码区基因(1-756bp),将测序结果与国外分离株进行比较;将该基因片段同载体pMel BacA连接后,与杆状病毒DNA共转染入昆虫细胞Sf9,经蚀斑筛选纯化重组病毒并再感染Sf9细胞获得vp4基因的表达,对表达的VP4蛋白进行Western blot分析和血清中和抗体试验。结果表明：JL94株VP4主要抗原编码区基因与国外分离株CRW-8株、Gottfried株该基因片段氨基酸同源性分别为96．43％和67％,说明JL94株与CRW-8株属同一VP4血清型,而与Gottfried株属不同血清型。JL94株vP4主要抗原编码区氨基酸最大变异处位于aa81-aa207。vp4基因在昆虫细胞中表达量占细胞总蛋白的20％,Western Blot证实表达蛋白有良好的生物学活性。所表达的蛋白免疫小鼠产生中和抗体,阻断JL94在MA104细胞上引起的细胞病变。     

北京地区G1-G4型人轮状病毒地方株VP7编码基因的序列分析

本文报告了北京地区流行的４个轮状病毒地方株（Ｇ１－Ｇ４）ＶＰ７编码基因的核苷酸序列。４个地方株的该基因核苷酸全长均为１０６２ｂｐ,读码框架和已往的研究一致。地方株和相同血清型的标准株之间ＶＰ７氨基酸序列具有高度同源性（９２％－９４％）,而不同血清型间则变异较大（６９％－８０％）。不同血清型间氨基酸序列的变异主要存在于高变区内,高变区以外的区域在不同血清型轮状病毒间保守。这一序列分析结果进一步从分子水平分析了地方流行毒株的血清型别,揭示了轮状病毒地方流行毒株和标准株之间ＶＰ７序列的变异情况     

猪轮状病毒vp4基因的克隆及其在昆虫细胞中的表达

本研究扩增猪轮状病毒中国分离株JL94株VP4蛋白主要抗原编码区基因(1-756 bp),将测序结果与国外分离株进行比较;将该基因片段同载体pMel BacA连接后,与杆状病毒DNA共转染入昆虫细胞Sf9,经蚀斑筛选纯化重组病毒并再感染Sf9细胞获得vp4基因的表达,对表达的VP4蛋白进行Western blot分析和血清中和抗体试验.结果表明JL94株VP4主要抗原编码区基因与国外分离株CRW-8株、Gottfried株该基因片段氨基酸同源性分别为96.43%和67%,说明JL94株与CRW-8株属同一VP4血清型,而与Gottfried株属不同血清型.JL94株VP4主要抗原编码区氨基酸最大变异处位于aa81-aa207.vp4基因在昆虫细胞中表达量占细胞总蛋白的20%,Western Blot证实表达蛋白有良好的生物学活性.所表达的蛋白免疫小鼠产生中和抗体,阻断JL94在MA104细胞上引起的细胞病变.     

北京地区G1—G4型人轮状病毒地方株VP7编码基因的序列分析

本文报告了北京地区流行的４个轮状病毒地方株（Ｇ１－Ｇ４）ＶＰ７编码基因的核苷酸序列。４个地方株的该基因核苷酸全长均为１０６２ｂｐ,读码框架在已往的研究一致。地方株和相同血清型的标准株之间ＶＰ７氨基酸序列具有高度同源性（９２－９４％）,而不同血清型间则是较大（６９－８０％）。不同血清型间氨基酸序列的变异主要存在于高变区内,高变区以外的区域在不同血清型轮状病毒间保守。这一序列分析结果进一步从分子水平分     

轮状病毒LLR株VP7抗原表位的预测与验证

在GenBank中检索A组轮状病毒不同血清型的VP7基因信息,在氨基酸水平上与G10血清型LLR株的VP7序列进行序列对比,分析其血清型特异的氨基酸保守序列位点。结合蛋白质二级结构预测理论方案,设计合成3条具有轮状病毒G10血清型特异性氨基酸序列的多肽。通过检测合成肽对轮状病毒免疫血清与LLR抗原的结合抑制,证实三条多肽均具备了LLR表位属性。     

引起产科新生儿腹泻暴发的轮状病毒株VP4 VP7编码基因与其毒力关系的探讨

克隆并测定了引起产科新生儿腹泻暴发的P2[6]、G4型轮状病毒(BN株)VP4的VP8片段和VP7编码基因的核苷酸序列,并据此推导出其氨基酸序列。与相应标准株和地方株(包括有毒株和无毒株)比较的结果表明,所测VP8序列与相同型别(P2[6])的标准株M37(无毒株)和ST3(无毒株)、地方株N16(无毒株)和VE7156(有毒株)之间的同源性为92.8％～98.6％,胰酶作用位点各毒株间相同;位于aa49、aa50、aa52、aa53、aa78处的氨基酸在有毒株与无毒株间(包括BN株)不同,但分别保守。VP7基因与同型(G4)标准株ST3(A亚型/无毒株)和VA70(B亚型/有毒株)、意大利地方株PV5249(A亚型/有毒株)和北京地方株CR117(有毒株)、同型猪有毒株Gott之间的同源性为91.4％～97.8％,其中与A亚型的同源性为95.5％～96.3％,而与B亚型的同源性为91.4％,提示VP7为G4A亚型,位于aa38、aa78、aa145、aa238位点的氨基酸在有毒株与无毒株之间不同,但分别保守。分析了虽为P2[6]型却反常地引起新生儿腹泻暴发毒株(BN)的VP8与VP7基因的变异情况,并对轮状病毒毒力与VP4、VP7基因变异的相互关系进行了讨论,为慎重确定轮状病毒疫苗候选毒株提供理论依据。     

猪轮状病毒vp4基因在大肠杆菌中的表达

以猪轮状病毒JL94株核酸为模板扩增该病毒vp4全基因,对扩增产物进行测序及序列比较;根据VP4的5’端(1bp-750bp)特异片段主要决定其活性的观点,再设计一对引物扩增该主要抗原位点基因,将此主要抗原位点基因同pGEX-6P-1载体连接并转化入E．coli．BL2l(DE3)plays,经IPTG诱导表达出蛋白质;对表达的蛋白进行Westernblot分析、纯化和血清中和抗体试验。结果表明：JL94株与国外分离株CRW．8株、BEN．307株vp4全基因片段氨基酸同源性分别为96．98％和98．05％,说明JL94株与CRW．8株、BEN．307株属于同-vP4血清型;经IPTG诱导VP4主要抗原位点基因获得了高效表达,表达量占菌体蛋白的26％;Westernblot结果和所表达的融合蛋白免疫小鼠产生的中和抗体能阻断JL94在MAl04细胞上引起的细胞病变,说明所表达蛋白有良好的生物学活性。     

猪轮状病毒vp4基因在大肠杆菌中的表达

以猪轮状病毒JL94株核酸为模板扩增该病毒vp4全基因,对扩增产物进行测序及序列比较;根据VP4的5'端(1bp～750bp)特异片段主要决定其活性的观点,再设计一对引物扩增该主要抗原位点基因,将此主要抗原位点基因同pGEX-6P-1载体连接并转化入E.coli.BL21(DE3)plays,经IPTG诱导表达出蛋白质;对表达的蛋白进行Westernblot分析、纯化和血清中和抗体试验.结果表明JL94株与国外分离株CRW-8株、BEN-307株vp4全基因片段氨基酸同源性分别为96.98%和98.05%,说明JL94株与CRW-8株、BEN-307株属于同一VP4血清型;经IPTG诱导VP4主要抗原位点基因获得了高效表达,表达量占菌体蛋白的26%;Westernblot结果和所表达的融合蛋白免疫小鼠产生的中和抗体能阻断JL94在MA104细胞上引起的细胞病变,说明所表达蛋白有良好的生物学活性.     

羊轮状病毒NT株VP1基因的测序和分子进化分析

摘要：【目的】为了研究羊轮状病毒NT株VP1基因的遗传进化规律,【方法】根据GenBank中相关VP1基因的保守序列,设计合成引物,扩增NT株VP1基因并进行克隆测序和序列分析。【结果】 氨基酸序列比较表明NT株与其他毒株VP1基因的相似性为77.3%～98.4%,且氨基酸突变多发生在VP1蛋白的非功能区。VP1蛋白进化树表明NT株与牛轮状病毒处于同一进化分支,有较近的亲缘关系。结合26株具有代表性的轮状病毒,计算毒株间VP1基因的核苷酸和氨基酸进化距离,并对核苷酸的同义突变率（dS）和非同义突变率（dN）进行研究,发现dN/dS的比值小于1,说明同义替代是VP1基因在进化过程中的主要变异。【结论】本文首次对羊轮状病毒NT株进行了VP1基因的测序,并对VP1基因的进化距离和进化规律进行深入探讨。     

三株牛源亚洲1型口蹄疫病毒聊基因的克隆与序列分析

以3株国内分离的亚洲1型口蹄疫病毒（分别命名为F1、F2、F3）为研究目标,根据GenBank中注册的FMDV VP1基因的序列设计1对引物,采用RT-PCR方法成功地扩增出含有VP1全基因的片段,并测定了3个毒株VP1基因的序列。结果表明,3株亚洲1型FMDV毒株VP1基因长度均为633bp,编码211个氨基酸。3株毒株彼此之间的核苷酸序列同源性在82．8％～99．1％之间,雅导氨基酸序列同源性在89．1％～99．1％之间。从系统发生树看,F1株与我国香港2005年牛毒株序列同源性99．5％,属同一遗传谱系,F2株、F3株与2005年引起河北省万全县、北京市延庆县、甘肃静宁县疫情的毒株分属同一个基因群。     

Rotavirus VP8*: Phylogeny, Host Range, and Interaction with Histo-Blood Group Antigens

The distal portion of rotavirus (RV) VP4 spike protein (VP8*) is implicated in binding to cellular receptors, thereby facilitating viral attachment and entry. While VP8* of some animal RVs engage sialic acid, human RVs often attach to and enter cells in a sialic acid-independent manner. A recent study demonstrated that the major human RVs (P[4], P[6], and P[8]) recognize human histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs). In this study, we performed a phylogenetic analysis of RVs and showed further variations of RV interaction with HBGAs. On the basis of the VP8* sequences, RVs are grouped into five P genogroups (P[I] to P[V]), of which P[I], P[IV], and P[V] mainly infect animals, P[II] infects humans, and P[III] infects both animals and humans. The sialic acid-dependent RVs (P[1], P[2], P[3], and P[7]) form a subcluster within P[I], while all three major P genotypes of human RVs (P[4], P[6], and P[8]) are clustered in P[II]. We then characterized three human RVs (P[9], P[14], and P[25]) in P[III] and observed a new pattern of binding to the type A antigen which is distinct from that of the P[II] RVs. The binding was demonstrated by hemagglutination and saliva binding assay using recombinant VP8* and native RVs. Homology modeling and mutagenesis study showed that the locations of the carbohydrate binding interfaces are shared with the sialic acid-dependent RVs, although different amino acids are involved. The P[III] VP8* proteins also bind the A antigens of the porcine and bovine mucins, suggesting the A antigen as a possible factor for cross-species transmission of RVs. Our study suggests that HBGAs play an important role in RV infection and evolution.     

2018–2020年人轮状病毒锦州地方株VP4及VP7基因特征

【背景】人A组轮状病毒(Rotavirus Group A,RVA)是婴幼儿胃肠炎的主要病原体及发展中国家婴幼儿死亡的重要原因,目前无特效药物治疗,疫苗预防是唯一可行的预防感染方法。外衣壳蛋白VP7和VP4是疫苗设计的主要靶点,针对该基因加强RVA地方株分子流行病学监测十分必要。【目的】对锦州地方流行RVA株VP7和VP4基因进行型别鉴定和序列特征分析。【方法】收集锦州地区2018-2020年RVA感染腹泻患儿的粪便标本,提取病毒RNA,通过RT-PCR扩增VP7、VP4基因片段并测序,得到7株RVA VP7和VP4序列。使用在线基因分型工具Rota C V2.0对测序结果进行分型分析。应用BLAST、DNAStar、MEGA X、Bio Edit等生物软件与临床流行株及疫苗株进行系统发育分析及氨基酸序列比对分析。【结果】分型结果表明7株锦州地方株均为G9P[8]型,系统发育分析证实其VP7和VP4基因分别属于G9-Ⅵ和P[8]-3谱系,核苷酸序列相似性分别为99.32%-100%与99.41%-100%。JZ株VP7与疫苗株Rotavac和Rotasiil相比,在抗原表位区7-1a、7-1b、7-2中分别存在4个和3个氨基酸替换。JZ株VP4与疫苗株Rotarix和Rota Teq VP4氨基酸序列相比,发现7个和4个氨基酸替换,位于抗原表位区8-1和8-3。【结论】2018-2020年在辽宁锦州地区检测到7株G9P[8]型RVA株,VP7和VP4序列相似性高于99%,G9P[8]型可能是辽宁省锦州地区2018-2020年婴幼儿轮状病毒腹泻的主要流行基因型之一。与同基因型疫苗株比较,位于JZ株VP7和VP4抗原表位区的氨基酸位点差异对于野毒株免疫逃逸机制的研究具有意义。     

三株传染性法氏囊病病毒A节段全长基因组结构和编码蛋白的序列分析

用长距离RT PCR方法分别克隆了浙江地区传染性法氏囊病病毒 (IBDV)细胞致弱株HZ2、弱毒疫苗株JD1和野毒株ZJ2 0 0 0的A节段基因组全长 ,三毒株的A节段均长 32 59bp ,都包含两个相互重叠的开放阅读框架和两端的 5′ ,3′ 非编码区 (NCR)。它们在核苷酸和推导的四种病毒蛋白VP2、VP3、VP4、VP5的氨基酸水平上高度同源 ,并具有位于VP2高变区的特征性氨基酸H2 53、N2 79、T2 84、R330 ,这些氨基酸是弱毒株和几个强毒株的标志。野毒株ZJ2 0 0 0的高强毒力可能与VP2高变区和VP2 VP4剪切位点附近的几个突变有关。序列比较进一步支持VP2并非是决定IBDV毒力的唯一因素。不同毒力表型毒株的两端NCR序列高度保守提示NCR可能与IBDV毒力并不直接相关。另外 ,根据VP5在十种不同表型毒株中高度保守 ,作者提出了一种VP5与病毒毒力关系的推测     

传染性法氏囊病病毒中国强毒株A节段cDNA基因的克隆和序列分析

以来自哈尔滨传染性法氏囊病病毒（ＩＢＤＶ） 强毒株（Ｈａｒｂｉｎ 毒株,Ｈ） 的基因组ＲＮＡ为模板,用反转录聚合酶链反应（ＲＴ－ ＰＣＲ） 的方法得到了其Ａ 节段的全长ｃＤＮＡ 片段,分５＇端（１ ６５９ｂｐ） 和３＇端（１ ４４４ｂｐ） 上下两段分别克隆到ｐＧＥＭＢ○Ｒ － Ｔ 载体上,测定了其核苷酸顺序,在长为３ １０１ ｂｐ 中含有两个阅读框ＯＲＦＡ１ 和ＯＲＦＡ２ ,分别编码１ ０１２ 个氨基酸的前体蛋白（ＶＰ２ － ４ －３） 和１４５ 个氨基酸的ＶＰ５,ＯＲＦＡ１ 和ＯＲＦＡ２ 有部分的重叠。将核苷酸序列及推测出的氨基酸序列与已报道的ＩＢＤＶ 血清Ⅰ型和Ⅱ型毒株的相应序列进行了比较,结果表明：Ｈ 毒株与其它血清Ⅰ型毒株之间,在核苷酸水平上存在２５ｂｐ － ２６７ｂｐ 的差异;在氨基酸水平上存在１７ ～４０ 个氨基酸的差异。在ＶＰ２ － ４ － ３ 内比较显示,Ｈ 毒株与Ｐ２ 、Ｃｕ－ １ 之间氨基酸的差异最小为１ ．７％ ,Ｈ 毒株与ＵＫ６６１ 之间氨基酸的差异最大为３ ．９ ％ 。变异主要发生在ＶＰ２ 的可变区（２０６ － ３５０ 位氨基酸） ,在Ｈ 毒株所特有的１２ 个氨基酸当中,该区就占５ 个,代表１ ．７６ ％ 的变异。ＶＰ４、ＶＰ３ 和ＶＰ５区各有     

Reassortment of Human and Animal Rotavirus Gene Segments in Emerging DS-1-Like G1P[8] Rotavirus Strains

The emergence and rapid spread of novel DS-1-like G1P[8] human rotaviruses in Japan were recently reported. More recently, such intergenogroup reassortant strains were identified in Thailand, implying the ongoing spread of unusual rotavirus strains in Asia. During rotavirus surveillance in Thailand, three DS-1-like intergenogroup reassortant strains having G3P[8] (RVA/Human-wt/THA/SKT-281/2013/G3P[8] and RVA/Human-wt/THA/SKT-289/2013/G3P[8]) and G2P[8] (RVA/Human-wt/THA/LS-04/2013/G2P[8]) genotypes were identified in fecal samples from hospitalized children with acute gastroenteritis. In this study, we sequenced and characterized the complete genomes of strains SKT-281, SKT-289, and LS-04. On whole genomic analysis, all three strains exhibited unique genotype constellations including both genogroup 1 and 2 genes: G3-P[8]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A2-N2-T2-E2-H2 for strains SKT-281 and SKT-289, and G2-P[8]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A2-N2-T2-E2-H2 for strain LS-04. Except for the G genotype, the unique genotype constellation of the three strains (P[8]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A2-N2-T2-E2-H2) is commonly shared with DS-1-like G1P[8] strains. On phylogenetic analysis, nine of the 11 genes of strains SKT-281 and SKT-289 (VP4, VP6, VP1-3, NSP1-3, and NSP5) appeared to have originated from DS-1-like G1P[8] strains, while the remaining VP7 and NSP4 genes appeared to be of equine and bovine origin, respectively. Thus, strains SKT-281 and SKT-289 appeared to be reassortant strains as to DS-1-like G1P[8], animal-derived human, and/or animal rotaviruses. On the other hand, seven of the 11 genes of strain LS-04 (VP7, VP6, VP1, VP3, and NSP3-5) appeared to have originated from locally circulating DS-1-like G2P[4] human rotaviruses, while three genes (VP4, VP2, and NSP1) were assumed to be derived from DS-1-like G1P[8] strains. Notably, the remaining NSP2 gene of strain LS-04 appeared to be of bovine origin. Thus, strain LS-04 was assumed to be a multiple reassortment strain as to DS-1-like G1P[8], locally circulating DS-1-like G2P[4], bovine-like human, and/or bovine rotaviruses. Overall, the great genomic diversity among the DS-1-like G1P[8] strains seemed to have been generated through reassortment involving human and animal strains. To our knowledge, this is the first report on whole genome-based characterization of DS-1-like intergenogroup reassortant strains having G3P[8] and G2P[8] genotypes that have emerged in Thailand. Our observations will provide important insights into the evolutionary dynamics of emerging DS-1-like G1P[8] strains and related reassortant ones.     

Spike protein VP8* of human rotavirus recognizes histo-blood group antigens in a type-specific manner

Rotaviruses (RVs), an important cause of severe diarrhea in children, have been found to recognize sialic acid as receptors for host cell attachment. While a few animal RVs (of P[1], P[2], P[3], and P[7]) are sialidase sensitive, human RVs and the majority of animal RVs are sialidase insensitive. In this study, we demonstrated that the surface spike protein VP8* of the major P genotypes of human RVs interacts with the secretor histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs). Strains of the P[4] and P[8] genotypes shared reactivity with the common antigens of Lewis b (Le(b)) and H type 1, while strains of the P[6] genotype bound the H type 1 antigen only. The bindings between recombinant VP8* and human saliva, milk, or synthetic HBGA oligosaccharides were demonstrated, which was confirmed by blockade of the bindings by monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific to Le(b) and/or H type 1. In addition, specific binding activities were observed when triple-layered particles of a P[8] (Wa) RV were tested. Our results suggest that the spike protein VP8* of RVs is involved in the recognition of human HBGAs that may function as ligands or receptors for RV attachment to host cells.     

Diversity and relationships of cocirculating modern human rotaviruses revealed using large-scale comparative genomics

Group A rotaviruses (RVs) are 11-segmented, double-stranded RNA viruses and are primary causes of gastroenteritis in young children. Despite their medical relevance, the genetic diversity of modern human RVs is poorly understood, and the impact of vaccine use on circulating strains remains unknown. In this study, we report the complete genome sequence analysis of 58 RVs isolated from children with severe diarrhea and/or vomiting at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) in Nashville, TN, during the years spanning community vaccine implementation (2005 to 2009). The RVs analyzed include 36 G1P[8], 18 G3P[8], and 4 G12P[8] Wa-like genogroup 1 strains with VP6-VP1-VP2-VP3-NSP1-NSP2-NSP3-NSP4-NSP5/6 genotype constellations of I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E1-H1. By constructing phylogenetic trees, we identified 2 to 5 subgenotype alleles for each gene. The results show evidence of intragenogroup gene reassortment among the cocirculating strains. However, several isolates from different seasons maintained identical allele constellations, consistent with the notion that certain RV clades persisted in the community. By comparing the genes of VUMC RVs to those of other archival and contemporary RV strains for which sequences are available, we defined phylogenetic lineages and verified that the diversity of the strains analyzed in this study reflects that seen in other regions of the world. Importantly, the VP4 and VP7 proteins encoded by VUMC RVs and other contemporary strains show amino acid changes in or near neutralization domains, which might reflect antigenic drift of the virus. Thus, this large-scale, comparative genomic study of modern human RVs provides significant insight into how this pathogen evolves during its spread in the community.     

Distribution of conserved and specific epitopes on the VP8 subunit of rotavirus VP4.

Three cDNA clones comprising the VP8 subunit of the VP4 of human rotavirus strain KU (VP7 serotype G1; VP4 serotype P1A) G1 were constructed. The corresponding encoded peptides were designated according to their locations in the VP8 subunit as A (amino acids 1 to 102), B (amino acids 84 to 180), and C (amino acids 150 to 246 plus amino acids 247 to 251 from VP5). In addition, cDNA clones encoding peptide B of the VP8 subunit of the VP4 gene from human rotavirus strains DS-1 (G2; P1B) and 1076 (G2; P2) were also constructed. These DNA fragments were inserted into plasmid pGEMEX-1 and expressed in Escherichia coli. Western immunoblot analysis using antisera to rotavirus strains KU (P1A), Wa (P1A), DS-1 (P1B), 1076 (P2), and M37 (P2) demonstrated that peptides A and C cross-reacted with heterotypic human rotavirus VP4 antisera, suggesting that these two peptides represent conserved epitopes in the VP8 subunit. In contrast, peptide B appears to be involved in the VP4 serotype and subtype specificities, because it reacted only with the corresponding serotype- and subtype-specific antiserum. Antiserum raised against peptide A, B, or C of strain KU contained a lower level of neutralizing activity than did that induced by the entire VP8 subunit. In addition, the serotype-specific neutralizing activity of anti-KU VP8 serum was ablated after adsorption with the KU VP8 protein but not with a mixture of peptides A, B, and C of strain KU, suggesting that most of the serotype-specific epitopes in the VP8 subunit are conformational and are dependent on the entire amino acid sequence of VP8.     

Isolation of human monoclonal antibodies that neutralize human rotavirus

A human antibody library constructed by utilizing a phage display system was used for the isolation of human antibodies with neutralizing activity specific for human rotavirus. In the library, the Fab form of an antibody fused to truncated cp3 is expressed on the phage surface. Purified virions of strain KU (G1 serotype and P[8] genotype) were used as antigen. Twelve different clones were isolated. Based on their amino acid sequences, they were classified into three groups. Three representative clones-1-2H, 2-3E, and 2-11G-were characterized. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with virus-like particles (VLP-VP2/6 and VLP-VP2/6/7) and recombinant VP4 protein produced from baculovirus recombinants indicated that 1-2H and 2-3E bind to VP4 and that 2-11G binds to VP7. The neutralization epitope recognized by each of the three human antibodies might be human specific, since all of the antigenic mutants resistant to mouse monoclonal neutralizing antibodies previously prepared were neutralized by the human antibodies obtained here. After conversion from the Fab form of an antibody into immunoglobulin G1, the neutralizing activities of these three clones toward various human rotavirus strains were examined. The 1-2H antibody exhibited neutralizing activity toward human rotaviruses with either the P[4] or P[8] genotype. Similarly, the 2-3E antibody showed cross-reactivity against HRVs with the P[6], as well as the P[8] genotype. In contrast, the 2-11G antibody neutralized only human rotaviruses with the G1 serotype. The concentration of antibodies required for 50% neutralization ranged from 0.8 to 20 micro g/ml.     

Group A rotavirus in sewage samples from Barcelona and Cairo: emergence of unusual genotypes

The presence of rotavirus strains in sewage samples from Cairo, Egypt (November 1998 to October 1999), and Barcelona, Spain (November 1998 to December 2002), was investigated by using a generic molecular detection method based on amplification of a VP6 gene fragment. Overall, 85.7 and 66.9% of the sewage samples from Cairo and Barcelona, respectively, were positive. Positive samples were characterized further, and VP7 and VP4 genotypes were determined. Although 30% of the positive samples from Cairo were G untypeable, the distribution of G types in the positive samples was 69.6% G1, 13% G3, 8.7% G4, and 8.7% G9. The percentage of untypeable samples was much higher for the Barcelona samples (56.5%), and the distribution in the positive samples was 56.4% G1, 31.5% G3, 6% G9, 4% G2, and 2% G5. When the P types were examined, 26.7% of the positive samples from Cairo were untypeable, and the distribution of types in the positive samples was 53.3% P[8], 30% P[6], and 16.6% P[4]. In Barcelona, 27.2% of the samples were P untypeable, and the frequencies of the types detected were 49.7% P[8], 37.2% P[4], 8.8% P[6], and 4.2% P[9]. The distribution for strains from Cairo was 38.5% P[8]G1, 27% P[6]G1, 11.5% P[4]G1, 11.5% P[8]G3, 7.7% P[6]G4, and 3.8% P[8]G9. Strikingly, equivalent frequencies of common and uncommon strains were observed for Barcelona samples, and the distribution was 38.8% P[8]G1, 30.6% P[4]G1, 11.6% P[8]G3, 6.6% P[4]G3, 5.8% P[6]G1, 1.6% P[6]G3, 1.6% P[9]G1, 0.8% P[4]G2, 0.8% P[6]G9, 0.8% P[8]G9, and 0.8% P[8]G5. Additionally, two P[-]G5 strains were isolated in Barcelona, and the porcine or human origin of these strains was unclear. Rotavirus variability exhibited not only a geographic pattern but also a temporal pattern.