Distribution of rotavirus VP7 serotypes and VP4 genotypes circulating in Sousse, Tunisia, from 1995 to 1999: emergence of natural human reassortants.

Rotavirus strains circulating in Sousse, Tunisia, between 1995 and 1999 were characterized antigenically by monoclonal antibodies to the VP6 subgroup and the VP7 serotype. The VP4 genotype was determined by reverse transcription-PCR, as were the strains with untyped VP7. Only 17% of 375 children were shedding rotavirus as determined by latex agglutination assay. Most rotavirus strains were G1P[8] (50%), followed by G4P[8] and G4P[6]. Reassortant G1P[4] strains emerged in Sousse during the 1998-1999 season.