Identification of rotavirus in human and calf buffalo by using RT-PCR technique and rapid testing

The molecular rotavirus, a significant zoonotic disease affecting calf water buffaloes and children within the same geographical region, was examined for the first time in Iraq. This virus is significant due to its activity, which induces gastroenteritis characterized by severe diarrhoea in all species, resulting in elevated mortality rates. Eighty-four fecal samples were collected from calves aged 4 to 6 months in the Abo-Gareeb area of Baghdad from December 2023 to April 2024. PCR identified positive results in 14 samples (16.6%) from a total of 84, with the peak infection rate occurring in January, comprising 8 samples (9.5%). In February and March, there were 4 samples (4.7%) and 2 samples (2.3%), respectively, along with 2 positive samples in December. Nevertheless, these statistics were documented in December. All samples underwent RT-PCR analysis using electrophoresis. Concurrently, 40 fecal bloody diarrhea swabs were obtained from children under the age of 2 belonging to buffalo breeders at Abo Gareb Hospital. The findings indicated that 8 of 40 samples tested positive for rotavirus (20%) using a Rapid Rotavirus test kit.