Results and
Discussion Due to the very limited number of completely sequenced rotavirus genomes, studies on reassortments have been limited to a few gene segments. Recently, the increased availability of complete rotavirus genome sequences, and the introduction of an extended classification and nomenclature system, comprising all 11 rotavirus gene segments, has prompted many investigators to start complete rotavirus genome sequencing projects. Both reassortments between strains belonging to the same host species, and between strains belonging to different host species have been documented several times in the Wnt inhibitor past [10–12]. The new classification system creates a necessary framework to thoroughly analyze possible interspecies transmissions of whole rotaviruses from one host to another, and Selleck Y 27632 to study the effect of reassortments on the generation of genetic rotavirus diversity, host range restriction, co-segregation of certain gene segments, and adaptation to a new host species [5]. A Rotavirus Classification Work Group was setup to evaluate potentially new genotypes that will be discovered when more and more complete
rotavirus genomes from multiple host species will be sequenced [6]. The analyses of complete rotavirus genomes, and the assignment to the appropriate genotypes will be highly facilitated by the use of the free online RotaC-tool. The RotaC-tool will be updated regularly, an will work closely together with the RCWG in order to update the tool with new genotypes, to reflect all established and new genotypes. Conclusion There are several useful web-based tools and database resources for the genotyping analysis of viral sequences, based
on phylogenetic trees, or sequence similarities of whole/partial sequences for the genotyping of HIV-1/HIV-2, HTLV-1/HTLV-2, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and poliovirus sequences [13–17]. Here we have introduced a reliable and easy-to-use automated classification tool for group A rotaviruses. Our RotaC TCL classification tool is in agreement with the rotavirus classification strategy and guidelines as proposed by the Rotavirus Classification Working Group. The web-based RotaC tool can be freely accessed at http://rotac.regatools.be. Availability and requirements Project name: RotaC, Rotavirus Classification Tool v1.0 Project home page: http://rotac.regatools.be Operating system: platform independent Programming language: java, perl and PHP License: none Restrictions to use by non-academics: none Acknowledgements PM is supported by a postdoctoral grant from the ‘Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (FWO)-Vlaanderen’. JM is supported by the Institute for the Promotion and Innovation through Science and Technology in Flanders (IWT Vlaanderen). References 1. Parashar UD, Hummelman EG, Bresee JS, Miller MA, Glass RI: Global illness and deaths caused by rotavirus disease in children. Emerg Infect Dis 2003, 9:565–572.