Molecular characterization of rotaviruses isolated from calves with bovine neonatal diarrhea (BND) in Colombia

Resumen

Bovine rotaviruses are one of the main agents involved in the presentation of Bovine Neonatal Diarrhea (BND), a disease that affects calves in the first month of life.

Objective: The present study aimed to determine the types of bovine rotaviruses that affect dairy herds in the Sabana region of Bogotá, Colombia.

Materials and methods: 132 fecal samples were obtained from calves of less than five weeks of age and subjected to an ELISA test. MA104 cell cultures were infected with positive samples in order to isolate rotaviruses. The presence of the viral genome was confirmed by amplification and sequencing of a region of the viral VP7 protein-encoding gene.

Results: Of the 132 samples, 26 (19, 7%) were ELISA-positive and nine samples were used for viral isolation. PCR amplification was achieved in all infected cultures. Sequencing showed homology of five samples to the G6 genotype. In addition, the presence of the G10 genotype was first determined for the country.

Discussion: A greater presence of the G6 genotype from lineage V was found in the Sabana region of Bogota, showing a high prevalence in cattle and association with the presence of BND. The presence of the G10 genotype is a new report for the country and constitutes a new element of investigation in these viruses.