Full genome characterization of novel DS-1-like G9P[8] rotavirus strains that have emerged in Thailand.
Authors: Fukuda Saori, Tacharoenmuang Ratana, Guntapong Ratigorn, Upachai Sompong, Singchai Phakapun, Ide Tomihiko, Hatazawa Riona, Sutthiwarakom Karun, Kongjorn Santip, Onvimala Napa, Ruchusatsawast Kriangsak, Rungnopakun Pimpa, Mekmallika Jutarat, Kawamura Yoshiki, Motomura Kazushi, Tatsumi Masashi, Takeda Naokazu, Murata Takayuki, Yoshikawa Tetsushi, Uppapong Ballang, Taniguchi Koki, Komoto Satoshi
Journal: PloS one
Summary
# Editorial Summary: DS-1-like G9P[8] Rotavirus Emergence in Thailand Rotavirus surveillance in Thailand identified three novel intergenogroup reassortant strains (DBM2017-016, DBM2017-203, and DBM2018-291) isolated from diarrheic children, representing the first documented G9P[8] genotype variants within the emerging DS-1-like reassortant lineage. Full-genome sequencing revealed a unique constellation combining both genogroup 1 and 2 genes (G9-P[8]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A2-N2-T2-E2-H2), with phylogenetic analysis indicating these strains arose through multiple reassortment events, acquiring G9 genes from co-circulating Wa-like G9P[8] strains whilst maintaining a DS-1-like genetic backbone with origins traceable to equine-like G3P[8] rotaviruses. This discovery documents the continued evolutionary dynamics of DS-1-like intergenogroup reassortants, which have already spread globally across Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and the Americas, highlighting the capacity of rotaviruses to generate novel genotype combinations through reassortment with both locally circulating human strains and animal-origin viruses. For equine and veterinary professionals, these findings underscore the zoonotic potential and epidemiological significance of equine rotavirus variants; whilst the clinical implications for equine medicine remain indirect, understanding rotavirus reassortment mechanisms involving equine strains informs broader infectious disease surveillance and control strategies. The emergence of G9P[8] variants in the DS-1-like reassortant background expands the genetic diversity of rotaviruses in circulation and warrants continued molecular surveillance to track
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Practical Takeaways
- •This research on human rotavirus genetics has no direct application to equine practice; it studies novel viral reassortants in children, not horses.
- •The mention of equine-like origins in the genetic background is incidental to understanding virus evolution, not a focus of clinical or practical equine medicine.
- •Working equine professionals should not consider this paper relevant to diagnosis, treatment, or management of equine health conditions.
Key Findings
- •Three novel G9P[8] rotavirus strains with unique DS-1-like intergenogroup reassortant genotype constellation (G9-P[8]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A2-N2-T2-E2-H2) were identified in Thai children with diarrhea.
- •These strains represent multiple reassortants that acquired G9-VP7 genes from co-circulating Wa-like G9P[8] rotaviruses within a DS-1-like genetic background, possibly of equine origin.
- •This is the first documented emergence of DS-1-like intergenogroup reassortant rotaviruses with G9P[8] genotype, expanding understanding of rotavirus evolution through reassortment.