• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.83-90
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• 2012

Porcine rotaviruses are the most common causes of viral gastroenteritis in piglets around the world. The major G genotypes of porcine rotaviruses causing diarrhea were G4, G5 and G11 genotypes. Recently, G9 genotype rotaviruses were problemed at swine farms and frequently recognized from diarrheic piglets. In this study, a porcine rotavirus (PoRV-1) was isolated from piglet showing diarrhea using MA104 cells and confirmed as rotavirus by electron microscopy, genomic RNA electropherotyping and indirect immunofluorescence antibody tests. The nucleotide sequence of the VP7 gene of PoRV-1 was determined and compared with those of other genotype rotavirus strains from other parts of the world. Also, the nucleotide sequences of VP4, VP6 and NSP4 genes of PoRV-1 were determined and compared with those of other rotavirus strains from other countries. The results showed that the PoRV-1 isolate belonged to the G9 genotype and the P, I and E genotypes of PoRV-1 were P[23], I5 and E1, respectively. The Korean G9 PoRV-1 isolate and its nucleotide sequence data would be usefully used for the development of porcine rotavirus vaccines in near future.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.207-214
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• 2005

The nonstructural protein 4 (NSP4) of rotavirus encoded by gene 10, plays an important role in rotavirus pathogenicity. In this study, NSP4 gene of avian rotavirus (AvRV-1, AvRV-2) was analyzed and expressed using baculovirus expression system. The sequence data indicated that the NSP4 gene of AvRV-1 and AvRV-2 were 727 bases in length, encoded one open reading frame of 169 amino acids beginning at base 41 and terminating at base 550, and had two glycosylation sites. Nucleotide sequences of NSP4 gene of AvRV-1 and AvRV-2 exhibited a high degree of homology ($88.1{\pm}7.6%$) with avian rotaviruses, namely Ty1, Ty3 and PO-13. Phylogenetic analysis showed that AvRV-1 and AvRV-2 belonged to genotype NSP4[E], which is widely found in group A avian rotaviruses. The baculovirus-expressed NSP4 migrated at 20-28 kDa and reacted with NSP4-specific antiserum by FA and Western blot. Furthermore, it was found to be a glycoprotein by using tunicamycin, which is a specific inhibitor of N-linked glycosylation.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.23-30
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• 2013

An avian rotavirus (AvRV-2) was isolated from feces of broilers suffering from acute gastroenteritis in 2011. It was the first avian rotavirus isolated in Korea. To investigate the molecular characteristics of AvRV-2, the VP4, VP6, VP7 and NSP4 gene nucleotide sequences were determined and compared with those of rotavirus strains available in the GenBank database. The phylogenetic tree of VP7 gene showed that AvRV-2 had a high degree of nucleotide sequence homology (93.4% to 94.7%) with those of rotaviruses belonging to genotype G19 cluster. The phylogenetic tree of the VP4 gene revealed a high degree of nucleotide sequence homology (95.8% to 95.9%) with genotype P[30] rotaviruses isolated from chickens. The VP6 and NSP4 gene nucleotide sequences showed the highest identities with those of avian strains with 95.3% to 96.4% and 90.3% to 92.2%, respectively. Genetic characterization of the VP4, VP6, VP7 and NSP4 showed that AvRV-2 strain was most closely related to chicken rotavirus strains from Germany and Japan. Comparative nucleotide sequences and phylogenetic analysis indicated that avian rotavirus isolated from broilers belonged to genotype G19P[30] and it was the first report on avian rotavirus infection in Korea.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.56-60
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• 2009

Purpose : This study aimed to test whether rotavirus-associated necrotizing enterocolitis (RV+NEC) produced different clinical findings or outcomes from those of non-rotavirus necrotizing enterocolitis (RV-NEC). Methods : Eight patients from the RV+NEC group and 22 patients from the RV-NEC group diagnosed with modified Bell stage II or higher NEC were selected for this study. Fecal specimens from all infants were tested for rotavirus infection using a monoclonal antibody-based enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Clinical, radiographic, and clinical outcome data were analyzed retrospectively. Results : RV+NEC infants had a significantly higher birth weight and were born at a significantly higher gestational age ($33.5{\pm}3.3$ weeks vs. $29.3{\pm}4.4$ weeks; P=0.01). There were no differences in the occurrence of thrombocytopenia, mural gas, and pneumoperitoneum between the 2 groups. However, portal vein gas was more common in the RV+NEC group (88% vs. 9%; P<0.01). Neither the incidence of Bell stage III (or higher) NEC nor surgical intervention differed between the two groups. The number of complications and mortality rates were also similar. Conclusion : Rotavirus-associated NEC occurs in infants with a higher birth weight and those born at a greater gestational age. However, the severity of the condition and the resulting outcomes did not differ from those for infants affected by non-rotavirus NEC.

• The Journal of Health Technology Assessment
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.148-155
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• 2018

Objectives: Rotavirus is one of the main causes of severe diarrhea in children under five. Two types of rotavirus vaccines [$Rotarix^{(R)}$ (RV1) and $Rotateq^{(R)}$ (RV5)] have been introduced and its administration was optional in South Korea. A systematic review (SR) on economic evaluation (EE) of RV was conducted to examine whether the introduction of rotavirus vaccine to national vaccine program (NIP) is cost-effective. Methods: Previous SR studies of EE for RV were searched in August 2017 through databases such as MEDLINE and EMBASE. Additional search was performed to include literatures published after or unincluded in the previous SR studies. Among the 11 SR studies identified, 2 studies were reviewed via inclusion/exclusion criteria. A previous SR study including 104 original articles was selected by A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews. Among the 36 original articles identified through additional search, 10 were selected, resulting in 114 studies included in our analysis. Results: RV1-only, RV5-only, and evaluating-both studies account for about 44%, 22%, and 33%, respectively. Among RV1-only, RV5-only, or evaluating-both studies, 90%, 64%, or 68% of the studies concluded RV as being cost-effective, respectively. RV5-only studies were usually executed in high-income countries (68%), whereas RV1-only studies were executed mostly in lower (32%) and upper (26%) middle-income countries. When classifying studies by their funding sources, RV1-only studies (82%; 28 of 34 studies specifying funding sources) were chiefly supported by non-profit organization, and 100% of these studies were concluded as being cost-effective. RV5-only studies were mostly supported by profit organization (68%; 13 of 19 studies specifying sources), and 92% of these studies concluded as being cost-effective. Conclusion: By reviewing global EE studies for RV, we have learned that about 70% of these studies was shown to be cost-effective and RV1 appeared to be more cost-effective than RV5.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.31 no.8
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• pp.1175-1182
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• 2021

We investigated the effect of bovine lactoferricin (Lfcin-B), a peptide derived from bovine lactoferrin, on activation of intestinal epithelial cells in IEC-6 intestinal cell, and protection against in vivo rotavirus (RV) infection. Treatment with Lfcin-B significantly enhanced the growth of IEC-6 cells and increased their capacity for attachment and spreading in culture plates. Also, Lfcin-B synergistically augmented the binding of IEC-6 cells to laminin, a component of the extracellular matrix (ECM). In the analysis of the intracellular mechanism related to Lfcin-B-induced activation of IEC-6 cells, this peptide upregulated tyrosine-dependent phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin, which are intracellular proteins associated with cell adhesion, spreading, and signal transduction during cell activation. An experiment using synthetic peptides with various sequences of amino acids revealed that a sequence of 9 amino acids (FKCRRWQWR) corresponding to 17-25 of the N-terminus of Lfcin-B is responsible for the epithelial cell activation. In an in vivo experiment, treatment with Lfcin-B one day before RV infection effectively prevented RV-induced diarrhea and significantly reduced RV titers in the bowels of infected mice. These results suggest that Lfcin-B plays meaningful roles in the maintenance and repair of intestinal mucosal tissues, as well as in protecting against intestinal infection by RV. Collectively, Lfcin-B is a promising candidate with potential applications in drugs or functional foods beneficial for intestinal health and mucosal immunity.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.391-396
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• 2018

It is well known that Korean red ginseng has various biological activities. However, there is little knowledge about the antiviral activity of Korean red ginseng and its ginsenosides. In this study, we addressed whether oral administration of ginsenoside-Rb2 and -Rg3 is able to protect against rotavirus (RV) infection. The protective effect of ginsenosides against RV infection was examined using an in vivo experiment model in which newborn mice (10-day-old) were inoculated perorally (p.o.) with $1.5{\times}10^6$ plaque-forming units/mouse of RV strain SA11. When various dosages of ginsenoside-Rb2 (25-250 mg/kg) were administered 3days, 2 days, or 1 day before virus challenge, treatment with this ginsenoside at the dosage of 75 mg/kg 3days before virus infection most effectively reduced RV-induced diarrhea. In addition, consecutive administration of ginsenoside-Rb2 (75 mg/kg) at 3 days, 2 days, and 1 day before virus infection was more effective than single administration on day -3. The consecutive administration of ginsenoside-Rb2 also reduced virus titers in the bowels of RV-infected mice. In an experiment to compare the protective activity between ginsenoside-Rb2 and its two hydrolytic products (20(S)- and 20(R)-ginsenoside-Rg3), 20(S)-ginsenoside-Rg3, but not 20(R)-ginsenoside-Rg3, prevented RV infection. These results suggest that ginsenoside-Rb2 and its hydrolytic product, 20(S)-ginsenoside-Rg3, are promising candidates as an antiviral agent to protect against RV infection.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.26-34
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• 2018

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the changes in the occurrence of rotavirus gastroenteritis (RGE) after the introduction of rotavirus vaccine and estimate rotavirus vaccine effectiveness in hospitalized children. Methods: We compared the retrospective data of 671 patients with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) admitted to the Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University Seoul Hospital from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2015, with retrospective data of 1,243 patients admitted to the same institution with AGE from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2005. The vaccine effectiveness was estimated using a case-positive control test-negative study. Results: The proportion of RGE in AGE was significantly lower in 2014 to 2015 (9.0%, 48/531) than in 2004 to 2005 (22.7%, 282/1,243) (P<0.001). In particular, there was a significant decrease in the 6- to 11-, 12- to 23-, and 24- to 35-month-old groups (P<0.001), whose rotavirus vaccination rates were higher than the remaining age groups. The monthly distribution of patients with RGE in 2004 to 2005 was higher from November to May, peaked in January, followed by December and February. In 2014 to 2015, the monthly distribution of patients with RGE slightly peaked in January. In 2014 to 2015 study, the complete rotavirus vaccination rate was 66.0% (332/503) and incomplete vaccination rate was 6.2% (31/503). Presumed rotavirus vaccine effectiveness was 83.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 60.5% to 92.9%) in the complete vaccination group and 27.4% (95% CI, -163.7% to 80.0%) in the incomplete group. Conclusions: The proportion of RGE in AGE has markedly decreased since the introduction of rotavirus vaccines, and improving vaccination coverage will further reduce the burden of RGE in Korea.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.181-190
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• 2014

Purpose: This study was performed to investigate the epidemiological trend of rotavirus acute gastroenteritis (RV-AGE) in children. Methods: A retrospective review was performed in patients (1 month to 18 years of age) with acute gastroenteritis at KEPCO Medical Center from September 2004 to August 2013. Comparative analyses were performed based on periods: pre-vaccine (2004-2006) and post-vaccine (2008-2012) in all patients; 2004-2006 (period A), 2007-2009 (period B) and 2010-2012 (period C) in patients under 5 years of age. Results: Proportion of RV-AGE decreased from 25.0% (337/1,346) in pre-vaccine period to 20.8% (459/2,210) in post-vaccine period (rate ratio (RR), 0.83 [95% CI, 0.73-0.93]; P=0.0029). The median age of patients with RV-AGE in post-vaccine period (2.6 years) was significantly (P<0.0001) higher than that in pre-vaccine period (1.6 years). In patients hospitalized with AGE, proportion of RV-AGE was significantly reduced in patients 6 to 23 months old (RR, 0.62 [95% CI, 0.51-0.75]; P<0.0001). Significant decline in proportion of RV-AGE was observed in patients under 5 years of age: period A, 26.9% (308/1,144); period B, 22.7% (295/1,299); period C, 20.6% (186/902) (P =0.0007). After the introduction of rotavirus vaccine, a significant decreasing trend of RV-AGE proportion was observed in patients 6 to 11 months old (P =0.0018) and 12 to 23 months old (P =0.0152). Conclusion: Decrease in RV-AGE proportion and increase in age of patients with RV-AGE were observed after the introduction of rotavirus vaccine in this single center study. Continued and systematic surveillance is needed to assess the impact of rotavirus vaccine.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.81-90
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• 2015

Purpose: Group A rotavirus (RV) is most common etiologic agent of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children worldwide. Recently, vaccination has been introduced in several countries to reduce the disease burden caused by RV infections, but continuous surveillance of RV strains is necessary to detect the emergence of potential variants induced by vaccine-immune pressure. This study aimed to investigate the changing pattern of RV genotypes in children with AGE, following the introduction of vaccination in Korea. Methods: Genotyping of RVs by RT-PCR on the basis of VP7 and VP4 gene segment sequence was carried out on 201 rotavirus-positive stool samples, from children hospitalized with AGE between August 2009 and June 2013. We have directly sequenced PCR products and analyzed the phylogenetic tree. Results: The most prevalent G genotype was G9 (33.3%), followed by G1 (22.4%), G3 (15.9%), G2 (6.0%), G4 (3.0%), G10 (1.5%), and mixed G-type (15.4%), with some nontypeable cases (2.5%). The detected P genotypes were P[4] (45.3%), P[8] (43.8%), mixed P-type (10.4 %), and P[2] (0.5%). The G9P[4] genotype was predominantly observed in hospitalized cases in Seoul in 2010/2011, however G1P[8] has been re-emerged as the predominant genotype in the following season (P =0.004). Conclusions: It seems that the periodic fluctuation in predominance of the G1, G3, and G9 strains occurred in Korea during 2009-2013, following the introduction of RV vaccination.