Abstract

Objective: To describe the genetic diversity of rotavirus strains circulating in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 302 stool samples were obtained from diarrheic children on admission to four hospitals in Lagos and screened for rotavirus antigen by enzyme immunoassay, while rotavirus VP4 and VP7 genotypes were determined by multiplex semi-nested RT-PCR using recognized primers and methods. Results: Overall, the globally important genotypes, G1, G2, G3, G4 and G9, associated with P[4], P[6] and P[8] were detected. A rotavirus carrying G12 specificity was also detected at low frequency. The different rotavirus strains found in this study were G[2]P[6], G[2]P[8], G[1] P[8], G[1]P[6], G[3]P[6], G[9]P[6], G[2]P[4], G[4]P[4], G[12]P[8] and some mixed infections. Conclusions: The study highlights the wide diversity of rotavirus strains and the potential emergence of unusual rotavirus in this region. It is therefore important to continue the epidemiological studies to monitor rotavirus strains associated with gastroenteritis in hospitals before and after the introduction of rotavirus vaccine.

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