Rotavirus A in Domestic Pigs and Wild Boars: High Genetic Diversity and Interspecies Transmission.

Rotavirus A (RVA) is an important pathogen for porcine health. In comparison to humans, RVA in domestic animals and especially in wildlife is under researched. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence, genetic diversity, molecular epidemiology and interspecies transmission of RVA in domestic pigs and wild boars. During the three consecutive RVA seasons (2018-2021) we collected 445 and 441 samples from domestic pigs and wild boars, respectively. Samples were tested by real-time RT-PCR, and RVA-positive samples were genotyped in VP7 and VP4 segments. Our results report an RVA prevalence of 49.9% in domestic pigs and 9.3% in wild boars. Outstanding RVA genetic diversity was observed in VP7 and VP4 segments, especially in domestic pigs exhibiting a striking 23 different RVA combinations (G5P[13] and G9P[23] prevailed). Interspecies transmission events were numerous between domestic pigs and wild boars, sharing G3, G5, G6, G9, G11 and P[13] genotypes. Furthermore, our data indicate that such transmission events involved even bovines (G6, P[11]) and, intriguingly, humans (G1P[8]). This study contributes to the basic knowledge that may be considered important for vaccine development and introduction, as a valuable and currently missing tool for efficient pig health management in the EU.

A Remarkable Genetic Diversity of Rotavirus A Circulating in Red Fox Population in Croatia.

Rotaviruses (RV), especially Rotavirus A (RVA), are globally recognized as pathogens causing neonatal diarrhea, but they also affect intensive animal farming. However, the knowledge on their significance in wildlife is rather limited. The aim of the study was to unveil the prevalence, molecular epidemiology, and genetic diversity of RVA strains circulating in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) population in Croatia. From 2018 to 2019, 370 fecal samples from fox carcasses hunted for rabies monitoring were collected. All samples were first tested using a VP2 real-time RT-PCR; in the subsequent course, positives were subjected to VP7 and VP4 genotyping. The results revealed an RVA prevalence of 14.9%, while the circulating RVA strains showed a remarkable genetic diversity in terms of 11 G and nine P genotypes, among which one G and three P were tentatively identified as novel. In total, eight genotype combinations were detected: G8P[14], G9P[3], G9P[23], G10P[11], G10P[3], G11P[13], G15P[21], and G?P[?]. The results suggest a complex background of previous interspecies transmission events, shedding new light on the potential influence of foxes in RVA epidemiology. Their role as potential reservoirs of broad range of RVA genotypes, usually considered typical solely of domestic animals and humans, cannot be dismissed.