Molecular characterisation of equine group A rotaviruses in Ireland (2011-2015).
Authors: Nemoto Manabu, Ryan Evelyn, Lyons Pamela, Cullinane Ann
Journal: Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
Summary
Rotavirus remains a significant cause of diarrhoea in foals, yet understanding its molecular diversity helps guide vaccine and management strategies in studs and competition yards. Between 2011 and 2015, Irish researchers tested 438 faecal samples from affected foals and identified rotavirus in nearly one-quarter (102 samples, 23.3%), then characterised the genetic makeup of 76 isolates to determine which strains were circulating. The dominant genotypes were G3P[12] (89.5% of typed samples) and G14P[12] (10.5%), both carrying the same P[12] protease-sensitive protein, mirroring patterns found elsewhere in Europe and consistent with surveillance data from the previous decade. Phylogenetic comparison revealed these Irish strains clustered closely with European, Brazilian and South African equine rotaviruses, as well as with the H-2 vaccine strain, suggesting reasonable antigenic compatibility with available vaccines. For practitioners, these findings indicate that rotavirus vaccination continues to target locally relevant genotypes, though the persistence of G3P[12] and emergence of G14P[12] across multiple continents warrants continued epidemiological monitoring to detect any future vaccine escape variants.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Rotavirus is a significant cause of foal diarrhea in Ireland (affecting ~1 in 4 foals with enteric disease), making it an important differential diagnosis to consider and test for in affected foals
- •The consistency of G3P[12] and G14P[12] genotypes across years and geographical regions suggests stable circulating strains, which may have implications for vaccine development and selection
- •Molecular characterization data can guide understanding of rotavirus epidemiology in your region and inform biosecurity measures for preventing transmission in foal populations
Key Findings
- •23.3% (102/438) of diagnostic specimens from foals with enteric disease tested positive for equine group A rotavirus
- •G3P[12] and G14P[12] were the predominant genotypes, representing 89.5% and 10.5% respectively of characterized RVAs
- •All 18 characterized RVAs carried the P[12] genotype regardless of G genotype classification
- •Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that Irish equine RVAs were related to strains detected in Europe, Brazil, South Africa, and the vaccine strain H-2