Characterization of human group C rotavirus in Argentina

A survey was conducted for identification of human group C rotaviruses in s tool specimens taken from children suffering diarrhea in suburban Buenos Ai res regions. Among 90 true negative group A samples as defined by ELISA, RT -PCR and PAGE, five were positive by group C specific RT-PCR (VP7 and VP6 g enes) and three of these samples exhibited the characteristic 4-3-2-2 dsRNA pattern of group C rotavirus. These results were further confirmed by elec tron microscopy and by ELISA for detection of group C VPS specific antigens . Sequence analysis of the VP7 gene from one of these isolates revealed a 9 7.3-98.6% nucleotide identity and up to 99.1% protein homology with human g roup C rotavirus strains found scattered throughout the last ten years in o ther countries. Conversely, similar analysis performed with porcine strains showed a much lower homology degree both at the nucleotide (75.5% nucleoti de identity) and amino acid level (85.5% protein homology). Detection of gr oup C rotavirus in children with acute diarrhea in Argentina extends the id entification range of this agent in the region and is consistent with previ ous reported data that demonstrate a global distribution of this virus. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.