Sequence Comparison of the VP7 of Serotype G2 Rotaviruses from Diverse Geographical Locations

Abstract
The sequences of the genes encoding the outer cap sid glycoprotein, VW, of twelve serotype G2 rotavi-rus isolates from Australia were determined. The deduced amino acid sequences were compared by phylogenetic analysis to published sequences from strains collected from various geographical locations worldwide between 1976 an 1993. This analysis showed that geographical clustering of strains was apparent and that most strains were distantly related to strain DS1 whose VP7 is included in the rhesus rotavirus tetravdent vaccine formulation. Comparisons of the neutralization epitope regions of VP7 also indicated that most strains might exhibit anti-genic differences to DSI. These results have implications for the development of future vaccine strategies.