Genetic characterization of G12P[6] and G12P[8] rotavirus strains collected in six African countries between 2010 and 2014

Abstract Background G12 rotaviruses were first observed in sub-Saharan Africa 2004 and since then have continued to emerge spread across the continent are reported as a significant human rotavirus genotype several African countries, both prior after vaccine introduction. This study investigated genetic variability of 15 strains associated with either P[6] or P[8] identified between 2010 2014 from Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Togo Zambia. Methods The investigation was carried out by comparing partial VP7 VP4 sequences G12P[6] G12P[8] available GenBank exploring recognized neutralization epitopes these strains. Additionally, Bayesian evolutionary analysis using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) implemented BEAST estimate time most recent ancestor rate for Results findings suggested that nucleotide amino acid circulating countries closely related, irrespective country origin year detection, exception Ethiopian clustered distinctly. Neutralization epitope revealed genes had similar those globally including RotaTeq Rotarix. estimated 1.016 × 10 − 3 substitutions/site/year comparable what has been previously reported. Three sub-clusters formed within current lineage III shows diversification three independent ancestries frame late 1990s. Conclusions At present it appears be unlikely widespread use driven molecular evolution sustainability Africa. Continuous monitoring genotypes is recommended assess long-term impact vaccination on dynamic nature continent.