Molecular and serological characterization of group a rotavirus isolates obtained from hospitalized children in Goiânia, Brazil, 1998-2000

Abstract

Fecal samples positive for rotavirus group A ( n=120) were analyzed by enzyme immunoassay-monoclonal antibody (EIA-MAb) serotyping and/or reverse transcription/multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification to determine the prevalence of the [P] and G genotypes. The most prevalent G genotype/serotype detected was G1 (76.7%), followed by G2 (5.0%). Six samples were characterized as G9 by multiplex PCR, and one sample was characterized as G3 by EIA-MAb. The combinations of [P] and G genotypes found were P[8] and G1 (20.8%), P[6] and G1 (10.8%), P[6] and G9 (4.2%), P[8] and G2 (1.7%), and P[6] and G2 (0.8%). The diversity of rotavirus group A [P] and G genotypes/serotypes reinforces the need for continuous characterization of rotaviruses circulating in populations in Brazil.