Complete genome analysis of a rare group A rotavirus, G11P[25], isolated from a child in Mumbai, India, reveals interspecies transmission and reassortment with human rotavirus strains

Abstract

Hospital-based rotavirus surveillance was carried out in Mumbai during 2005–2009. An isolate (B08299) with a rare genotype combination (G11P[25]) was detected. The present study was undertaken to characterize the complete genome of the isolate. B08299 exhibited a G11–P[25]–I12–R1–C1–M1–A1–N1–T1–E1–H1 genotype constellation. Phylogenetic analysis of the 11 gene segments of B08299 revealed that the VP2 and NSP5 genes of B08299 had a human origin, while the VP6 gene represented an I12 genotype of obscure origin. The remaining six genes formed a lineage distinct from human and porcine rotaviruses within genotype 1. Analysis of the structural and non-structural genes suggested that B08299 has evolved by gene reassortment. Our findings provide further evidence that interspecies transmission is an important mechanism involved in the evolution and genetic diversity of human rotaviruses in nature.