Detection and full-genotype characterization of rare and reassortant Rotavirus A strains in Nizhny Novgorod, European part of Russia

Abstract

Abstract Reassortant DS-1-like Rotavirus A strains have been shown to widely circulate in many countries around the world. In Russia, the real contribution of such strains remains unclear due to preferred use of the traditional binary classification only. In this work, we obtained data on partial sequencing of all 11 genome segments and presented the full-genotype constellations of rare and reassortant rotaviruses circulating in Nizhny Novgorod in 2016-2019. DS-1-like G3P[8] and G8P[8] strains were found, and it emphasized the global trend. Most likely, they were introduced into the territory of Russia from other countries, but subsequently underwent further evolutionary changes locally. G3P[8], G9P[8], and G12P[8] Wa-like strains withunusual for the territory of Russia subgenotypic lineages were also identified. Reassortant G2P[8], G4P[4], and G9P[4] strains with one Wa-like gene (VP4 or VP7) on a DS-1-like backbone were found and apparently had alocal origin. Feline-like G3P[9] and G6P[9] strains were phylogenetically close to BA222 isolated from Italian cat but carried some traces of reassortment with human strains from Russia and other countries. Thus, full-genotype investigation of Nizhny Novgorod Rotavirus A strains clarified some questions related to their origin and evolution.