A unique VP4 gene allele carried by an unusual bovine rotavirus strain, 993/83.

The VP4 protein of an unusual group A calf rotavirus strain, 993/83 (serotype G7 and subgroup non-I and non-II), was determined to contain 770 amino acids, shorter than any other VP4 proteins sequenced to date. The 993/83 VP4 exhibited only 55-62% amino acid identity to the VP4s of the representatives of 12 distinct P serotypes, suggesting that 993/83 VP4 represents a new P serotype.