Diverse sapovirus genotypes identified in children hospitalised with gastroenteritis in selected regions of South Africa.

BACKGROUND:Sapoviruses (SaVs) are recognised as causative agents of gastroenteritis worldwide. However, data on the genetic diversity of this virus in Africa are lacking, particularly in the form of current long-term studies. OBJECTIVE:To determine the genetic diversity of SaVs in children hospitalised with gastroenteritis in South Africa (SA). STUDY DESIGN:From April 2009 to December 2013, SaVs were characterised from stool specimens from children hospitalised with gastroenteritis in four provinces of SA. RESULTS:Fourteen different SaV genotypes were identified from the 221 strains that were characterised. Genogroup (G) IV predominated overall and was detected in 24% (53/221) of specimens. The other identified genotypes included six belonging to GI (GI.1-GI.3, GI.5, GI.6, and GI.7) and seven belonging to GII (GII.1-GII.7). CONCLUSION:This study has provided the first comprehensive data on the genetic diversity of SaVs in a clinical setting in SA, contributing to the global knowledge of this virus.