<i>Rotavirus alphagastroenteritidis</i> Complete Genome Classification System: An Updated Analysis

Rotavirus alphagastroenteritidis are the major causative agent of acute gastroenteritis in both children under the age of 5 and young mammals and birds globally. RVAs are non-enveloped viruses with a genome comprising 11 double-stranded RNA segments. In 2008, the Rotavirus Classification Working Group pioneered a comprehensive and complete RVA genome classification system, establishing specific threshold, which measure the genetic distances between homologous genes. The aim of this study was to perform an updated systematic analysis of the genetic variability across all RVA genes. Our investigation involved assessing established cutoff values for each RVA genome segment and determine the need for any updates. To achieve this objective, multiple sequence alignments were constructed for all 11 genes and one for each genotype with discrepancies. Also, pairwise distances along with cutoff values were evaluated. The analyses provided insights into the current relevance of cutoff values, which remain applicable for the majority of genotypes. In conclusion, this study fortifies the current classification system by highlighting its robustness and accurate genotyping of Rotavirus alphagastroenteritidis.