Abstract
Group A rotavirus (RVA) genotype G12 has spread globally and has become one of the most prevalent genotypes of rotavirus in Africa. To understand the drivers for its genetic diversity and rapid spread we investigated the Bayesian phylogeography, viral evolution and population demography of Rotavirus G12 in Africa. We downloaded and aligned VP7 gene sequences of Rotavirus genotype G12, from thirteen African countries (n = 96). Phylogenetic analysis, Evolutionary analysis and Bayesian Phylogeography was carried out, using MEGA Vs 6, BEAST, and SPREAD3. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all the African sequences fell into lineage III diversifying into two major clades. The evolutionary rate of the African rotavirus G12 sequences was 1.678×10−3, (95% HPD, 1.201×10−3 - 2.198×10−3) substitutions/site/year, with TMRC of 16.8 years. The Maximum clade credibility (MCC) tree clustered into three lineages (II, III, IV), African strains fell within lineage III, and diversified into three clusters. Phylogeography suggested that South Africa seemed to be the epicentre of dispersal of the genotype. The demographic history of the G12 viruses revealed a steady increase between the years1998–2007, followed by a sharp decrease in effective population size between the years 2008–2011. We have shown the potential for genetic diversification of Rotavirus genotype G12 in Africa. We recommend the adoption of Molecular surveillance across Africa to further control spread and diversification of Rotavirus.
Highlights
Group A rotavirus has been established to be the main agent responsible for acute gastroenteritis (AGE) among children and infants worldwide
The current study reports the evolutionary dynamics and phylogeoraphy of rotavirus genotype G12 in Africa
Rotavirus genotype G12 has been reported globally, it is reported that a single lineage of this genotype is responsible for its rapid global spread [15]
Summary
Group A rotavirus has been established to be the main agent responsible for acute gastroenteritis (AGE) among children and infants worldwide. There are two life attenuated rotavirus vaccines, Rotarix and Rotateq, which have been licensed for use in many countries after large phase 3 clinical trials were conducted in 2006 [2,3]. In 2009 the world health organisation (WHO), recommended the global use of the 2 live attenuated vaccines Rotarix and Rotateq. In Africa, several countries have included rotavirus vaccination in their (EPI) programs [4]. Rotavirus belongs to the virus family Reoviridae, it is a nonenveloped and has an icosahedral nucleocapsid structure, enclosing a double stranded RNA genome segmented into 11 compartments. The rotavirus RNA genome codes for six structural proteins, (VP1 to VP4, VP6 and VP7) and five/six nonstructural proteins (NSP1 to NSP5/6) [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
