Multiple Introductions and Predominance of Rotavirus Group A Genotype G3P[8] in Coastal Kenya in 2018, 4 Years After Nationwide Vaccine Introduction

• DOI: 10.20944/preprints202010.0470.v1
• Publication Date: 2020-10-23T08:59:06Z
• Authors: Mike J. Mwanga; Jennifer R. Verani; Richard Omore; Jacqueline E. Tate; Umesh D. Parashar; Nickson Murunga; Elijah Gicheru; Robert F. Breiman; D. James Nokes; Charles N. Agoti
• Keywords: Rotavirus vaccine; Lineage (genetic); Group A

Globally, rotavirus group A (RVA) remains a major cause of severe childhood diarrhea, despite the use vaccines in > 100 countries. RVA sequencing for local outbreaks facilitates investigation into strain composition, origins, spread, and vaccine failure. In 2018, we collected 248 stool samples from children aged <13 years admitted with diarrheal illness to Kilifi County Hospital, coastal Kenya. Antigen screening detected 55 (22.2%). Of these, VP7 (G) VP4 (P) segments were successfully sequenced 48 (87.3%) phylogenetic analysis based on sequences identified seven genetic clusters six different GP combinations; G3P[8], G1P[8], G2P[4], G2P[8], G9P[8] G12P[8]. The G3P[8] strains predominated season (n=37, 67.2%) comprised three G3 that fell within Lineage I IX (the latter also known as equine-like lineage). Both two lineages have been recently several Our study is first document African infection lineage IX. These data highlight global nature transmission importance increasing coverage.