engleski

Molecular characterisation of Rotavirus A circulating among domestic animals in Croatia

Rotavirus A (RVA) is an enteric pathogen affecting human and animal health worldwide. Due to their high prevalence, pathogenicity and zoonotic potential, RVAs are important from both public health and veterinary health perspectives. Thus, as a part of the molecular epidemiology study on RVAs in the Croatian ecosystem, herein we present the genetic diversity of RVAs circulating among domestic animals. Overall 515 faecal samples or rectal swabs (198 pigs, 161 cattle and 156 dogs) were collected from farms and dog shelters during a period of one year (2018/2019). All isolates were screened for the presence of RVA VP2 gene segment by using real-time RT-PCR. Positive samples were then subjected to further analysis of VP7 and VP4 gene segments by using conventional RT-PCR, by means of different primers combinations due to the RVA high genetic heterogeneity. After the DNA gel electrophoresis, Sanger sequencing was used in order to determine G (VP7) and P (VP4) genotypes. The molecular detection resulted in 36% of RVA positive samples, from which half were successfully genetically characterised. During one year of sampling, we have determined 8 different porcine, 7 bovine and 2 canine RVA genetic combinations, with predominant G9P[23] and G6P[5] genotypes. Due to the low RVA load in canine samples, only a quarter of positive samples were successfully genetically determined, revealing genotype combinations atypical for dogs. Furthermore, we have detected 1 rare porcine genotype, P[32], previously described in Ireland and Great Britain, as well as the bovine G24P[33], a combination described so far only in cattle in Japan. The molecular characterisation of RVAs circulating among domestic animals in Croatia showed mostly the typical distribution for porcine and bovine RVA strains, but somewhat unusual for canine genotypes. A continuous monitoring of the RVA molecular epidemiology in domestic animals is warranted to assess its zoonotic potential and impact on public health.

Rotavirus A ; Domestic animals ; Genotype ; Prevalence ; Croatia

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