Rotavirus

Structure of Rotavirus

Rotavirus is an icosahedral non-enveloped Reoviridae family member with six structural proteins called viral proteins (VP) and six non-structural proteins (NSP). Rotaviruses are 70nm in diameter and have a complex architecture of three concentric capsids that surround a genome of 11 segments of dsRNA with 18.5 kb. Structurally, three concentric capsids of rotavirus include the single-layered particle (SLP), which consists of the VP2 enclosing the genomic materials and scaffolding the transcriptional enzymes, the double-layered particle (DLP), which consists of the VP6 enclosing the VP2, and the triple-layered particle (TLP), which consists of the VP7 that encloses the VP6 and VP2.

Fig.1 Schematic representation of a rotavirus virion. (Dennehy, 2008)

Classification

Rotavirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide. Ten different rotavirus species (A-J) have been classified on the basis of sequence and antigenic differences of VP6, while group A, B and C rotaviruses have been detected in humans so far. Among them, rotavirus group A remains the most important group responsible for more than 90% of the human gastrointestinal infections caused by rotavirus.

Mechanisms

Rotavirus affects populations in all socioeconomic groups. Rotavirus is highly contagious among children. Irrespective of the socio-economic setting, virtually all children will have been infected with rotavirus by between 2 and 3 years of age. The incubation period lasts approximately two days and infection can last for 10 days. Rotavirus is transmitted by fecal-oral contact and by contaminated surfaces and hands, and also respiratory spread. In temperate climates, rotavirus disease occurs during the cooler months. Seasonal patterns in tropical climates are less pronounced, but the disease is more common during the drier, cooler months. In the United States, rotavirus causes yearly epidemics of disease from late fall to early spring. However, the infection can occur anytime of the year.

Pathogenesis

Rotaviruses infect the mature enterocytes at the tips of the villous epithelium of the small intestine. Upon release of replicated viral progeny, epithelia are destroyed leading to absorptive diarrhea. A crypt cell hyperplasia to replace the lost villous epithelium is accompanied by a secretory diarrhea component. The NSP4 acts as an enterotoxin and stimulates enterochromaffin cells to release 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and induces nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The enteric nervous system is also involved in the emergence of diarrhea and vomiting.

Symptoms

Rotavirus infects intestinal cells and causes gastroenteritis, however, infection is not limited to the intestinal mucosa, and systemic viral dissemination has been widely demonstrated. Recent studies have described how rotavirus infection can affect a wide spectrum of targets including the nervous system, liver, pancreas, etc. The infection may be asymptomatic, may cause self-limited watery diarrhea, or may result in severe dehydrating diarrhea with vomiting, fever and abdominal pain.

Prevention and Treatment

Vaccination against rotavirus is the best measure to prevent rotavirus disease. Two rotavirus vaccines were licensed for the pediatric population worldwide: the RV5 vaccine and the RV1 vaccine. Key treatment concepts including fluid and electrolyte management (including oral-rehydration solutions and intravenous rehydration), dietary management and the use of probiotics, anti-emetics, antisecretory drugs and antiviral drugs.

Fig.2 Schematic model of rotavirus-induced diarrhea and vomiting. (Crawford, 2017)

Anti-Rotavirus Antibodies Products and Services

Over time, Creative Biolabs has developed services that are frequently requested by our customers. Based on an one-stop platform for research solutions, Creative Biolabs offers a comprehensive selection of anti-Rotavirus Products and Services. Our rotavirus antibody products including primary antibodies, secondary antibodies and isotype controls are supplied to meet your demands. In addition, we also provide ViroAntibody Neutralization Assays, ViroAntibody Discovery Services, ViroAntibody Engineering Services, ViroAntibody Customized Services. If you wish to make use of these services, we can offer a fast turnover time, flexible solutions and standardization of the services. Please feel free to contact us for more details.

References

1. Dennehy, P.H. Rotavirus vaccines: an overview. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2008, 21(1): 198-208.
2. Crawford, S.E.; et al. Rotavirus infection. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2017, 3(1):17083.

All products and services are intended for Research Use Only, and NOT to be used in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.