Epidemiological features and genetic characterization of virus strains in rotavirus associated gastroenteritis in children of Odisha in Eastern India

We have studied the clinical characteristics, severity and seasonality of rotavirus infection and prevalent genotypes in 652 non-rota vaccinated children in Odisha in eastern India. P genotypes were analysed for their association with host blood group antigens. P type of the virus is determined by the VP8* gene, and specific recognition of A - type of Histo - blood group antigen by P14]VP8* has been reported. VP4, VP7 and VP6 genes of commonly identified G1P8] strain were compared with genes of the same strain isolated from other parts of India, elsewhere and strains used for Rotarix and Rotateq vaccines.In 54.75% of children with gastroenteritis, rota virus was found. 9.65% of children had moderate, 78.07% severe, and 12.28% very severe disease as assessed using the Vesikari scoring system. The incidence of infection was highest during winter months. There was no association between any blood group and specific P genotypes. G1P8] was the commonest cause of gastroenteritis, followed by G1P11], G3P8], G9P8], G2P4], G2P6], G9P4], G9P11] and G1P6]. Predominant G genotypes identified were G1 (72.9%), G9 (10.81%), G2 (8.10%) and G3 (8.10%). Sequence analysis of the VP7 gene, placed the G1P8] strain in lineage 1 and of VP6 gene placed nine G1P8] strains in subgroup II and one in subgroup I. The VP7 gene segment of two Odisha G1P8] strains were found to cluster relatively close to the VP7 sequences of Rotarix vaccine. Antigenic differences were found with vaccine strains. Ten G1P8] strains sequenced for the VP4 gene had 91–93% nucleotide and 92–96% amino acid identity with Rotateq vaccine P8]). Rotarix vaccine VP4 had 89–91% nucleotide and 90–92% amino acid identity. Our findings indicate genetic variability of rotavirus strains circulating in the region and are significant, given the introduction of rota vaccination in the State.