Distribution of rotavirus VP7 serotypes and VP4 genotypes circulating in Sousse, Tunisia, from 1995 to 1999: Emergence of natural human reassortants

Rotavirus strains circulating in Sousse, Tunisia, between 1995 and 1999 wer e characterized antigenically by monoclonal antibodies to the VP6 subgroup and the VP7 serotype. The VP4 genotype was determined by reverse transcript ion-PCR, as were the strains with untyped VP7. Only 17% of 375 children wer e shedding rotavirus as determined by latex agglutination assay. Most rotav irus strains were G1P[8] (50%), followed by G4P[8] and G4P[6]. Reassortant G1P[4] strains emerged in Sousse during the 1998-1999 season.