Identification of rotavirus A strains in small ruminants: first detection of G8P[1] genotypes in sheep in Turkey

Although members of rotavirus group A (RVA) are major enteric pathogens of humans and animals of many species, their impact on the health of small ruminants is not well documented. In this study, we conducted a molecular analysis of VP4, VP7, VP6 and NSP4 genes of RVAs detected using a commercial antigen ELISA in small ruminants with or without diarrhea in Turkey. Of the RVAs detected in sheep, one strain (Kutahya) was characterized as genotype G8P[1]-I2-E2. Two others (Ankara-1 and Ankara-2) were identified as NSP4 E2 and VP6 I2 genotypes, although they were untyped for the VP4 and VP7 genes. The RVAs from two goats were characterized as genotype G6P [1]-I2-E2. This is the first detection of in goats RVA genotypes G6P [1], which had previously only been found in cattle in Turkey, and of RVA in sheep. The study extends our current knowledge about the circulation of two RVA G genotypes, G6 and G8, in goat herds, and the detection of the G8 genotype in sheep in Turkey. This provides further information about the molecular epidemiology of RVAs in different animal species and indicates that additional surveillance programs are needed to determine the epidemiology of RVA in small ruminants and other species.