Partial characterization of a bovine group A rotavirus with a short genome electropherotype.

A group A rotavirus (ID isolate) recovered from a diarrheic beef calf possessed a short genome electropherotype. This short genome electropherotype was a stable characteristic of the ID isolate as it remained unchanged through 3 passages in gnotobiotic calves or through 19 passages in MA104 cell cultures. Subgroup analysis with monoclonal antibodies in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay established that the isolate was a subgroup 1 rotavirus. Neutralization tests demonstrated that this isolate was a distinct serotype from the human group A rotavirus S2 isolate (short genome electropherotype) and the turkey group A rotavirus 174 isolate (semi-short genome electropherotype). The ID isolate was pathogenic for 5- to 21-day-old gnotobiotic calves, inducing diarrhea within 48 h postinoculation.