Molecular monitoring of the rotavirus (<i>Reoviridae: Sedoreovirinae: Rotavirus: Rotavirus A</i>) strains circulating in Nizhny Novgorod (2012–2020): detection of the strains with the new genetic features

Introduction . The pentavalent rotavirus vaccine has been registered in Russia, however, the vaccination coverage remains low, and an annual increase in the incidence of rotavirus infection is unavoidable. In this regard, molecular monitoring of rotaviruses in order to search for new variants possessing epidemic potential is an urgent task. Material and methods . PCR genotyping and VP4 and VP7 genes sequencing were used to characterize rotaviruses circulating in Nizhny Novgorod in 2012–2020. The phylogenetic analysis of the strains was carried out using the BEAST software package. Results . The spectrum included 17 genotypes with predominance of G9P[8] (37,4%). Detected in this study genotypes G1P[4], G1P[9], G2P[8], G4P[4], G4P[6], G8P[8], and G9P[4] were not previously identified in Nizhny Novgorod. The circulation of DS-1-like strains possessing genotypes G1P[8], G3P[8], G8P[8], or G9P[8] and a short RNA pattern had been shown. Rotaviruses of the common genotypes were genetically heterogeneous and belonged to different phylogenetic lineages and/or sublineages (P[4]-IV-a; P[4]-IV-b; P[8]-3.1; P[8]-3.3; P[8]-3.4 and P[8]-3.6; G1-I; G1-II; G2-IVa-1; G2-IVa-3; G3-1; G3-3; G4-I-c; G9-III; G9-VI). Discussion . These results extend the available data on the genotypic structure of rotavirus populations in Russia and show the genetic diversity of viral strains. G3P[8] DS-1-like viruses were representatives of the G3-1 lineage, new for the territory of Russia, and had the largest number of amino acid substitutions in the VP7 antigenic epitopes. Conclusion . The emergence and spread of strains with new genetic features may allow rotavirus to overcome the immunological pressure formed by natural and vaccine-induced immunity, and maintain or increase the incidence of rotavirus infection.