Determination of subgroup, serotype and electropherotype of human rotaviruses obtained from diarrheic patients in the Philippines.

ABSTRACT

A total of 40 rotavirus specimens obtained from infants with acute gastroenteritis in Metro Manila, Philippines, were analyzed for their subgroup and serotype specificities and RNA electropherotype. A half (50%) of the specimens contained subgroup I human rotaviruses (HRVs), while 45% of them contained subgroup II HRVs. All subgroup II HRVs were determined to be serotype 1, except one specimen belonging to serotype 3, by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with serotype specific monoclonal antibodies. However, serotype specificity of all subgroup I specimens failed to be determined. In polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, RNAs extracted from HRVs of either subgroup showed long electropherotype. At least two electropherotypes were distinguished in subgroup I viruses, while five different patterns of viral RNA were found in subgroup II viruses.