In this study, the distribution of human rotavirus G and P types in Hungary is reported. In addition, the VP4 and VP7 genes of G1P[8] strains were sequenced to monitor if vaccine-derived strains were introduced and/or some strains/lineages were selected against.
The study was conducted in 8 geographic areas of Hungary between 2007 and 2011. Rotavirus positive stool samples were collected from diarrheic patients mostly <5 years of age. Viral RNA was amplified by multiplex genotyping RT-PCR assay, targeting the medically most important G and P types. When needed, sequencing of the VP7 and VP4 genes was performed.
In total, 2380 strains were genotyped. During the 5-year surveillance we observed the dominating prevalence of genotype G1P[8] (44.87 % ) strains, followed by G4P[8] (23.4 % ), G2P[4] (14.75 % ) and G9P[8] (6.81 % ) genotypes. Uncommon strains were identified in a low percentage of samples (4.12 % ). Phylogenetic analysis of 318 G1P[8] strains identified 55 strains similar to the Rotarix strain (nt sequence identities; VP7, up to 97.9 % ; VP4, up to 98.5 % ) although their vaccine origin was unlikely.
Current vaccines would have protected against the majority of identified rotavirus genotypes. A better understanding of the potential long-term effect of vaccine use on epidemiology and evolutionary dynamics of co-circulating wild type strains requires continuous strain surveillance.