Genome Analysis of the G6P6 Genotype of Porcine Group C Rotavirus in China

SIMPLE SUMMARY: In this study, a case of infection with RVC was identified and the full-length genome of RVC in China was sequenced. A natural recombination event was observed in the RVC genome. Collectively, our data suggest that the RVC exists in China and it can be mixed with other diarrhea viruses, which brings new challenges to the prevention and control of diarrhea disease in pigs. Our data provide a new insight into the evolution of the rotavirus. ABSTRACT: Swine enteric disease is the predominant cause of morbidity and mortality, and viral species involved in swine enteric disease include rotaviruses and coronaviruses, among others. Awareness of the circulating porcine rotavirus group C (PoRVC) in pig herds is critical to evaluate the potential impact of infection. At present, due to the lack of disease awareness and molecular diagnostic means, the research on RVC infection in China is not well-studied. In this study, diarrhea samples collected from pig farms were detected positive for RVC by PCR, and the full-length RVC was not previously reported for Chinese pig farms. This rotavirus strain was designated as RVC/Pig/CHN/JS02/2018/G6P6. A natural recombination event was observed with breakpoints at nucleotides (nt) 2509 to 2748 of the VP2 gene. Phylogenetic analysis based on nsp1 revealed that a new branch A10 formed. Collectively, our data suggest a potentially novel gene recombination event of RVC in the VP2 gene. These findings provide a new insight into the evolution of the rotavirus.