Rotavirus C genotypes in pigs – On their occurrence and distribution in Europe

Rotavirus C (RVC) is an enteric pathogen frequently found in pig holdings. It is known to cause mild to severe gastrointestinal symptoms especially in suckling and weaned piglets. As most of RVC strains cannot be propagated in cell culture, serological surveys and the development of autologous vaccines are hampered. In order to gain better insight into their diversity, genetic studies are therefore particularly useful for identifying RVC genotypes. In this study, the distribution of circulating RVC genotypes (G-types and P-types) was analysed in six countries in Central Europe. Our investigations revealed the occurrence of ten different G-types, 16 different P-types and 24 different G-P-combinations. The largest number of different genotypes was found in the regions with the highest pig densities. Overall, two clearly dominant genotypes both in the comparison of countries and federal states were identified: G6 and P21. Genotype P21 has so far only been detected in Europe. Focusing on coinfections, this study revealed the lowest coinfection rates within the most frequently detected two genotypes (G6 and P21). Overall, the study provides a unique dataset that raises further questions regarding the underlying reasons for the distribution of specific RVC strains and the notably low coinfection rates observed within certain genotypes.