Utilizing some structural protein-encoding genes, virion antigens, and hemagglutination property of rotavirus for investigation of the viral infection in bovine

Abstract

The genus Rotavirus (RV) has been reported as zoonotic, highly prevalent in diarrheic neonates, and possibly activated by gestation. Searching RV prevalence in bovines and checking its presence during convalescence of the animals from the illness are useful for One-Health management. Tests detecting specific genes encoding the virus’ capsid VP6 and VP4 with Reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) amplification as well as virus antigens with both Immuno-chromatographic assay (ICA) and Shifting assay of standardized direct hemagglutination inhibition (SSDHI) in fecal samples taken individually from both diarrheic and healthy calves and pregnant cows were implemented. The tests showed low percentages of diarrheic calves infected with the virus, implying insignificant contribution of the virus in bovine diarrhea. However, ICA tests which were then performed for checking the virus in feces of a genetically and antigenically proven infected diarrheic calf daily during the course of illness and daily through a week after diarrhea stopped showed that the virus had a role in causing the illness. Meanwhile, specific antibody titration with hemagglutination inhibition (HI) reactions implemented with serum samples of locally reared slaughtered and live cattle showed a significantly (P = 0.0008) higher rate of the virus infection. The outcomes of the tests showed that application of the system of HA-HI-SSDHI with the use of RotaTeq vaccine is feasible in investigation of RV though the targets are restricted to bovine-specific P[8] strains.