Molecular characterization of VP7, VP4, and NSP4 genes of P[8]G9 rotavirus strains detected in Saudi Arabia: first characterization of phylogenetic and sequencing analysis in the middle east

Serotype G9 rotaviruses have emerged as one of the leading causes of gastroenteritis in children worldwide since the mid-1990s, suggesting that G9 is a globally important serotype. The molecular epidemiology of G9 rotaviruses in two Saudi cities, Maddina and Gizan, from 2004 to 2005, was investigated in this study. These G9 strains belonged to P[8] lineage 2 [P-like] VP4, genetic group B [Wa-like] NSP4, and long electropherotype. The Saudi Arabian G9 VP7 gene had a 98% nucleotide sequence identity and grouped with the recently circulated G9 strains belonged to the third lineage. Molecular characterization of VP7, VP4, NSP4 and PAGE suggest that rotavirus G9 could have been introduced to Saudi as a novel G9P[8] strain. This study is the first to describe Molecular characterization of G9 Strains in the Middle East

Rotavirus gastroenteritis and strain diversity in Saudi Arabia Current status and future prospects

To determine the epidemiological profile and strain diversity in the light of recent published studies to provide an updated comprehensive picture of the significance of the effect of this virus in Saudi Arabia. The epidemiology, disease burden, and strain diversity of rotavirus in Saudi Arabia were reviewed using 22 studies of rotavirus and the etiology of diarrhea. We reviewed the studies conducted between 1982 and 2005 as well as the 2 recently published studies in 2008. This study took place in King Fahd Hospital, Maddina, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In Saudi Arabia, a review published in 2006 showed that rotavirus prevalence ranged from 10-46%, with a median prevalence of 30% of cases of gastroenteritis. Recent studies in the country however showed a lower detection rates [18% and 12%]. These 2 studies described the distribution of G and P types of rotavirus circulating in Saudi Arabia and demonstrated the presence of serotype G1-G4, G9, G12, P[4],P[6],andP[8]. These results have importance regarding a future rotavirus immunization strategies in Saudi Arabia, and underscore the need for a countrywide monitoring a rotavirus G- and P-types before the introduction of a rotavirus vaccine

Characterization of rotavirus strains detected among children and adults with acute gastroenteritis in Gizan, Saudi Arabia

To assess the circulating rotavirus strains among hospitalized children and adults in Gizan City.This cross-sectional study was based in 5 hospitals in the Gizan area. Stool samples were collected between November 2004 and March 2005, from sequential patients with acute, dehydrating diarrhea. Rotavirus antigen was detected in stool by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The diversity of rotavirus strains was investigated using electropherotying and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction amplification of the VP7 and VP4 genes [G and P genotyping]. Rotavirus was detected in 54 of 454 [12%] subjects. The ages of those infected with rotavirus ranged from 15 days to 20 years, with a median age of 36 months. The highest rotavirus detection rate [24%] occurred in children aged 48-59 months. Overall, 50 [93%] of strains could be assigned both a G- and P-type; G1P[8] was the most frequently detected strain type [n=48, 89%] with one rotavirus each of G2P[4] and G9P[8]. Rotavirus strains circulating in Gizan would be well covered by current rotavirus vaccines. Rotavirus serotype G9 has been detected in Saudi Arabia for the first time. Continued surveillance of rotavirus strains is required