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.