Determination of G and P genotypes of bovine group A rotavirus with emergence of unusual G- and P-type combinations from neonatal calf diarrhea in Kashmir, India.

A total of 490 diarrhoeic samples from calves aged between 0 and 6 months were screened for the presence of different G- and P-genotypes of rotavirus circulating in bovines in the Kashmir Valley. Of the 490 diarrhoeic samples, Group A rotavirus was detected in 68 (13.87%) samples by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by RNA-PAGE. Genotyping analysis revealed G10, G6, G3, P[11] and P[5] to be the predominant types. The most common types of combinations detected were G10P[11] (27.90%) and G6P[11] (20.60%). The prevalence rate of G10 and P[11] decreased from 60% to 36.76% and 100%-69.11%, respectively. Genotypes G6, G3, P[1] and P[5], which were not previously reported, were detected and unusual combinations such as G6P[11], G3P[11], G10P[5], G3P[5], G6P[1], G6P[5], G6+G8P[11] were also observed for the first time. Fluctuations in the predominant types, emergence of new types and possible genetic reassortment events suggest an unstable epidemiological situation and the need for continuous surveillance of the circulating types to ensure the suitability of the vaccination programme. The present data suggests G10, G6, P[11] and P[5] genotypes could be incorporated in the polyvalent vaccine to offer increased protection against bovine rotavirus infection in India.