Identification and genetic characterization of porcine rotavirus A in Haryana, India: molecular diversity and relationship with human rotavirus A

Rotavirus A (RVA; family <i>Sedoreoviridae</i>, taxon species <i>Rotavirus alphagastroenteritidis</i>) is a non-enveloped double-stranded RNA virus that has been reported from both diarrheic and non-diarrheic pigs worldwide. With significant morbidity and mortality rates in neonatal piglets, rotavirus-associated illness adds enormous economic losses to the pig industry. Furthermore, the proximity of humans and pigs facilitates cross-species infection, which results in the formation of novel strains through genetic recombination. We aimed to detect and characterize porcine RVA (PRVA) in Haryana, India, using reverse-transcription PCR targeting the <i>VP6</i>, <i>VP4</i>, and <i>VP7</i> genes. We detected 46 of 137 (34%) rectal swab samples as positive for PRVA, including 27 of 63 (43%) from diarrheic pigs and 19 of 74 (26%) from non-diarrheic pigs. In addition, phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of genotypes I1, I5, P[13], P[6], G11, G4, and combinations of G4P[6], G4P[13], and G11P[13] in the pig population of Haryana. G4P[6] was the most common combination found, followed by G11P[13] and G4P[13]. Genotype G11 and the combinations G4P[13] and G11P[13] have not been reported previously in pigs, in India, to our knowledge. Our finding of various genotypes, and their genetic proximity to human RVA, indicates their potential zoonotic importance.