Distantly Related Rotaviruses in Common Shrews, Germany, 2004–2014

Abstract

We screened samples from common shrews (Sorex araneus) collected in Germany during 2004–2014 and identified 3 genetically divergent rotaviruses. Virus protein 6 sequence similarities to prototype rotaviruses were low (64.5% rotavirus A, 50.1% rotavirus C [tentative species K], 48.2% rotavirus H [tentative species L]). Shrew-associated rotaviruses might have zoonotic potential.

Keywords

• rotavirus
• shrews
• common shrew
• Sorex araneus
• virus diversity
• rotavirus A