Molecular characterization of group A rotavirus found in elderly patients in Ireland; predominance of G1P[8], continued presence of G9P[8], and emergence of G2P[4].

Rotavirus is a major cause of gastroenteritis in young children worldwide. There have been several recent reports concerning rotavirus isolation from adults, particularly in the elderly, presenting with gastroenteritis. In this study, the authors report on rotavirus outbreaks in five separate elderly care facilities between April, and June 2011 in Ireland. The following genotypes were detected; G1P[8] (n = 5/11), G2P[4] (n = 2/11), and G9P[8] (n = 2/11). Thus, similarities to previous reports were found in that G1P[8] predominated, G9P[8] was still detected but G2P[4] was detected for the first time in a geriatric population in Ireland. Here also described is the detection of Group 2 lineage IIC rotavirus in Ireland for the first time.