The first G1P[8] Vaccine-Derived Rotavirus alphagastroenteritidis Strain in Mozambique: whole genome characterization of an isolate from a 2-month-old diarrheic infant

Abstract

Rotavirus alphagastroenteritidis remains one of the major causes of mortality and hospitalization in children less than five years of age worldwide. However, mortality rates are still and unacceptably the highest in low- and middle-income countries despite the availability of effective vaccines. In addition, cases of vaccine-derived infection, often associated with extensive viral shedding, have been reported. In this study, a faecal sample from a child presenting with diarrhoea was tested for RVA using the Prospect ELISA kit. The child exhibited no comorbidities or additional symptoms. Whole genome genotyping identified a G1P[8] strain and subsequent phylogenetic analysis showed a close resemblance to the Rotarix vaccine strain. Clustermap analysis did not distinguish between the vaccine strain and the strain detected in this study. The data, thus, suggest either a vaccine-derived infection or extensive vaccine strain shedding.