Comparison of Clinical Symptoms between Group A and Group C Rotavirus Infections in Japan

Background: Group C rotavirus (GCRV) has been detected in both sporadic cases and outbreaks of gastroenteritis (GE) throughout the world. However, the epidemiology of GCRV infection is still poorly understood because detection methods are not readily available compared to group A rotavirus (GARV). Objective: We assessed molecular and enzyme-linked immune assays for the diagnosis of sporadic GCRV infection and investigated clinical symptoms including extraintestinal findings. Study design: Thirty hospitalized children with acute GE were enrolled for the diagnosis of GARV and GCRV, and the comparison of clinical symptoms between the two groups. Results: Of 30 rectal swab specimens tested, 24 were positive for rotavirus; 6 were positive for GCRV by enzyme immunoassay, RT-PCR and electron microscopy, whereas 16 were positive for GARV. Although Vesikari severity scores for GE were not significantly different between GCRV and GARV patients, extraintestinal complications such as seizures and hepatitis were not seen in GCRV patients. Conclusion: GCRV sporadic infection was seen at the same time of GARV prevalence in the same area. A combination of different assays is needed for more accurate diagnosis of GCRV infection.