Detection of rotavirus in dogs with diarrhea in Brazil

Gabbay, Yvone BHomem, Valéria S. FMunford, VeridianaAlves, Antonia SMascarenhas, Joana D. PLinhares, Alexandre CRácz, Maria Lúcia

Rotavirus was detected by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the faeces of a diarrheic dog. Virus particles with morphology typical of rotavirus were visualized by direct electron microscopy. This sample was subsequently tested for the four main human serotypes (G1-G4), by ELISA with monoclonal antibodies. G genotyping was attempted by RT-PCR using G1-G6 and G8-G11 primers but no positive results could be yielded. Also using RT-PCR it was possible to characterize this canine strain as belonging to P[ 3] genotype. This is the first canine rotavirus detected in Brazil.