Molecular characterization of group a rotavirus before and after the introduction of vaccines in Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: In this study, the molecular characteristics of group A rotavirus (RVA) were compared in samples obtained before and after RVA vaccine-introduction in Brazil. Methods: Eighty samples were screened for the presence of RVA. Positive samples were molecularly analyzed. Results: RVA positivity was 16.9%, with a predominance of G2P[4]. Periods: pre-vaccination: predominance of IId (G1), IId (G2) lineages, and I1 and E1 genotypes; post-vaccination: predominance of Ib (G1), IIa, and IIc (G2) lineages and I2 and E2 genotypes. Conclusions: Although changes in RVA-circulation pattern were observed in the post-vaccination period, it could not be attributed to vaccination process.