Genetic diversity of porcine enteric caliciviruses in pigs raised in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil.

Porcine enteric caliciviruses (PEC) belong to the genera Norovirus and Sapovirus within the family Caliciviridae. They are enteric pathogens and are considered potential zoonotic agents. In this study, the circulation of PEC was evaluated by RT-PCR of stool samples and intestinal contents of pigs raised in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Both porcine norovirus (PoNoV) and porcine sapovirus (PoSaV) were detected. The PoNoV strains were classified as genogroup II, genotypes 11, 18 and 19. The PoSaV strains were classified as genogroups III and VII, though some strains could not be classified into any established genogroup, potentially representing a new one. PEC were detected mainly in animals without clinical signs of gastroenteritis.