Full genotype characterization of Brazilian canine G3P[3] strains during a 10-year survey (2012-2021) of rotavirus infection in domestic dogs and cats

Author(s):Show less -

Azevedo, Lais Sampaio ; Costa, Fernanda Faria ; Ghani, Monique Beerens Abdul ; Viana, Ellen ; Franca, Yasmin ; Medeiros, Roberta Salzone ; Guiducci, Raquel ; Morillo, Simone Guadagnucci ; Primo, Dieli ; Lopes, Ricardo Duarte ; Gomes-Gouvea, Michele Soares ; da Costa, Antonio Charlys ; Luchs, Adriana

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ARCHIVES OF VIROLOGY; v. 168, n. 7, p. 15-pg., 2023-07-01.

Abstract

There is a dearth of information on the molecular epidemiology of rotaviruses in pets in Brazil. The aim of this study was to monitor rotavirus infections in household dogs and cats, determine full-genotype constellations, and obtain data on evolutionary relationships. Between 2012 and 2021, 600 fecal samples from dogs and cats (516 and 84, respectively) were collected at small animal clinics in Sao Paulo state, Brazil. Rotavirus screening was conducted using ELISA, PAGE, RT-PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. Rotavirus type A (RVA) was detected in 0.5% (3/600) of the animals. No non-RVA types were detected. The three canine RVA strains were found to have a novel genetic constellation, G3-P[3] -I2-R3-C2-M3-A9-N2-T3-E3-H6, which has never been reported in dogs. As expected, all of the viral genes, except those encoding NSP2 and VP7, were closely related to the corresponding genes from canine, feline, and canine-like-human RVA strains. A novel N2 (NSP2) lineage was identified, grouping together Brazilian canine, human, rat and bovine strains, suggesting that genetic reassortment had occurred. Uruguayan G3 strains obtained from sewage contained VP7 genes that were phylogenetically close to those of the Brazilian canine strains, which suggests that these strains are widely distributed in pet populations in South American countries. For the NSP2 (I2), NSP3 (T3), NSP4 (E3), NSP5 (H6), VP1 (R3), VP3 (M3), and VP6 (I2) segments, phylogenetic analysis revealed possibly new lineages. The epidemiological and genetic data presented here point out the necessity for collaborative efforts to implement the One Health strategy in the field of RVA research and to provide an updated understanding of RVA strains circulating canines in Brazil. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/02469-0 - Full genotype constellation of five rare G12P[9] rotavirus strains detected in Brazil during 2011-2013
• Grantee: Yasmin França Viana Pires de Souza
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 15/12944-9 - Investigating the evoltution of animal rotavirus strains infecting humans
• Grantee: Adriana Luchs
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/14786-0 - Surveillance and molecular epidemiology of human Bocaviruses associated with acute gastroenteritis
• Grantee: Adriana Luchs
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/11182-6 - Molecular epidemiology of G8 rotavirus strains isolated in Brazil associated with P[4], P[6] or P[8] genotypes
• Grantee: Roberta Salzone Medeiros
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation