Abstract
Background: Rotavirus genotyping is performed by using reverse transcription PCR with type-specific-primers. Because the high rotavirus mutation rate generates an extensive genomic variation, different G-type-specific primer sets are applied in different geographical locations. In Bangladesh, a significant proportion (36.9%) of the rotavirus strains isolated in 2002 could not be G-typed using the routinely used primer set. To investigate the reason why the strains were untypeable, nucleotide sequencing of the VP7 genes was performed. Results: Four nucleotide substitutions at the G1 primer-binding site of the VP7 gene of Bangladeshi G1 rotaviruses rendered a major proportion of circulating strains untypeable using the routine primer set. Using an alternative primer set, we could identify G1 rotaviruses as the most prevalent genotype (44.8%), followed by G9 (21.7%), G2 (15.0%) and G4 (13.8%). Conclusion: Because of the natural variation in the rotaviral gene sequences, close monitoring of rotavirus genotyping methods is important.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 24 |
Journal | Virology Journal |
Volume | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 24 2005 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases