First isolation and Genetic characterization of G8P[8] rotavirus strains emerged recently from Guangzhou, China

Abstract Background The G[8] genotype rotavirus has been detected frequently in children in many countries and even became the predominant strain in sub-Saharan Africa countries. While there are almost no reports from China. In our study, the whole genome sequences of G8 rotavirus strains in China was reported for the first time, and phylogenetic analysis was performed on them. Methods Virus isolation and subsequent next-generation sequencing were performed for those confirmed G8P[8] specimens. The genetic characteristics and evolutionary relationship were analyzed in comparison with those epidemic rotavirus strains derived from GenBank.Results The two Guangzhou G8 strains were DS-1-like with the closest genetic distance to strains circulating in Southeast Asia, and the VP7 gene of the two strains was derived from human G8 rotavirus instead of animal-derived rotavirus. The large genetic distance indicated that the isolated Guangzhou strains might not be directly introduced from Southeast Asian countries. Instead, it might be produced by reassortment between G8P[8] and other genotype strains circulated in Southeast Asia in recent years. Conclusions This is the first report of the whole genome sequence information of G8 rotavirus strain in China. The clinical and epidemiological significance of these G8 strains in China remains to be further monitored.