Whole genomic characterization of a human rotavirus strain B219 belonging to a novel group of the genus rotavirus

Novel rotavirus strains B219 and ADRV-N derived from adult diarrheal cases in Bangladesh and China, respectively, are considered to belong to a novel rotavirus group (species) distinct from groups A, B, and C, by genetic analysis of five viral genes encoding VP6, VP7, NSP1, NSP2, and NSP3. In this study, the nucleotide sequences of the remaining six B219 gene segments encoding VP1, VP2, VP3, VP4, NSP4, and NSP5 were determined. The nucleotide sequences of the group B human rotavirus VP1 and VP3 genes were also determined in order to compare the whole genome of B219 with those of group A, B, and C rotavirus genomes. The nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of all B219 gene segments showed considerable identity to the ADRV-N (strain J19) sequences (87.7-94.3% and 88.7-98.7%, respectively). In contrast, sequence identity to groups A-C rotavirus genes was less than 61%. However, functionally important domains and structural characteristics in VP1-VP4, NSP4, and NSP5, which are conserved in group A, B, or C rotaviruses, were also found in the deduced amino acid sequences of the B219 proteins. Hence, the basic structures of all B219 viral proteins are considered to be similar to those of the known rotavirus groups.