Genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics of rotaviruses circulating within human populations

Human rotavirus strains circulating in the developing countries are the major cause of pediatric diarrheal diseases causing severe disease burden. The specific strains circulating in these underdeveloped regions with lower vaccine efficacy are likely genetically and antigenically different from those circulating in more developed countries for which the current vaccines are designed. As part of this project, we will assess rotavirus vaccine efficacy by sequencing rotavirus from fecal samples of pediatric patients with gastroenteritis in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, rotavirus from vaccinated and placebo-treated patients enrolled in vaccine trials in Ghana and India, will also be sequenced, along with surveillance samples from the U.S. to determine if vaccines are driving the genetic and antigenic evolution of rotavirus A.