Genetic analysis of rotavirus G2P[4] strains in Pune, Western India:circulation of a novel reassortant bearing E6 NSP4 genotype

AbstractIn India, G2P[4] strains are known to be the second most predominant group A rotaviruses causing acute gastroenteritisamong children. This study was performed to determine the diversity within VP7(G), VP4(P), VP6(I) and NSP4(E) genes of16 G2P[4] rotavirus strains detected in children hospitalized for acute gastroenteritis in Pune, Western India during 2009-2013. Fourteen strains showed G2-P[4]-I2-E2 and two strains showed G2-P[4]-I2-E6 genotype constellation. Phylogeneticanalysis showed their clustering into G2-IV-a3, P[4]-5bi/ii, I2-3ii and E2-4i/ii or E6 genotypes/lineages. These data revealinter- and/or intra-genotypic variations in a genogroup-2 constellation of G2P[4] rotavirus strains circulating in Pune, WesternIndia, providing evidence of a novel G2P[4] reassortant bearing a rare NSP4 genotype, E6 during 2009-2013