Serotypes and subgroups of rotavirus isolated from children in Central Brazil

Group A rotavirus, obtained from children of Goiania, Brazil, during 1987-1 994, were analyzed for subgroup and G serotype by enzyme-linked immunosorbe nt assay with monoclonal antibodies, The index of serotyping obtained was 6 1.4% with the following proportions: G1-19.7%, G2-28.0%, G3-9.8%,G4-1.5%, a nd G5-2.3%. It was observed that G1 occurred from 1987 to 1989 and from 199 3 to 1994, and G2 from 1990 to 1993, About 94% of the samples (85/ 90) coul d be subgrouped with the following results: 55.5% for SG II, 7.8% SG I, and 31.1% for SG non-I-non-II. Unusual relationship patterns were also detecte d among serotypes, subgroups, and profiles of electropherotypes in 57.0% of the samples: 20 of them were G2/SG II/"long" profile. The results suggest that variation in temporal and regional characteristics should be considere d in the development of rotavirus vaccine.