[Characterization of antigenic types of circulating rotaviruses in Mendoza, Argentina based on typing of the external VP7 capsid protein].

Rotavirus is one of the most common etiologic agents of acute diarrhea in childhood. Understanding the immunologic mechanisms involved in rotavirus diseases, including knowledge on seasonal and geographic antigenic variations may be crucial for vaccine development. A monoclonal antibody based ELISA specific for antigenic domains on the outer capsid protein VP7 has been developed and used widely in the past years. We studied the rotavirus VP7-serotype epidemiology causing diarrhea in children who consulted at two main hospitals of Mendoza, Argentina over a 20 month period. A total of 227 cases of diarrhea were identified, 45 of which (20%) were rotavirus positive. We're able to serotype 43 viruses (96%), 42 VP7-type 1 and one VP7-type 3. The VP7-type 3 was detected towards the end of the second year, possibly representing a new incoming VP7-type. Three electropherotype patterns were identified, two corresponding to VP7-type epidemiology in Mendoza, Argentina seems to be characterized by a relatively homogeneous pattern of circulation with a strong predominance of VP7-type 1 viruses, at least during the 20 month period studied, in contrast to what has been reported in larger, more cosmopolitan cities like Buenos Aires.