Related Experiment Videos
Rotavirus infection in children in Japan
1Department of Developmental Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan.
Insights
Rotavirus diarrhea significantly impacts children globally. This study tracked rotavirus infection in Japan from 1984-1999, revealing key G-serotype shifts and seasonality patterns in young children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Virology
- Public health surveillance
Background:
- Rotavirus is a major cause of severe diarrhea in children worldwide.
- Understanding rotavirus epidemiology is crucial for vaccine development and public health strategies.
- Long-term surveillance data is needed to track evolving rotavirus strains and their impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the prevalence, serotype distribution, seasonality, and age-specific incidence of rotavirus infection in Japanese children.
- To review national and international data on rotavirus in Japan from 1984 to 1999.
- To identify trends and potential shifts in rotavirus epidemiology.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a survey of rotavirus infection in diarrheal stool specimens from children across seven regions in Japan (1984-1999).
- Analyzed prevalence data for in- and outpatients with acute diarrhea.
- Reviewed published literature and congress proceedings for national and international rotavirus data in Japan.
Main Results:
- Rotavirus was a leading cause of diarrhea in young Japanese children, with prevalence ranging from 9.7% to 88%.
- Serotype G1 predominated after 1993, while G2, G3, and G4 were common before 1992. Notably, G9 emerged as the most prevalent serotype in Tokyo and Sapporo (1998-1999).
- Rotavirus activity peaked in late winter/early spring (February-March), primarily affecting children aged 1-3 years. Mixed bacterial infections were also observed.
Conclusions:
- Rotavirus remains a significant pediatric pathogen in Japan, with notable shifts in dominant G-serotypes over time.
- The emergence of G9 warrants further investigation and may impact vaccine effectiveness.
- Surveillance data highlights the importance of continued monitoring for effective rotavirus control strategies.
Abstract:
Currently, a high morbidity of rotavirus diarrhea has been seen in children in developed and developing countries. Improvement of the vaccines is necessary in order to reduce the burden of diarrhea caused by rotavirus. A survey of rotavirus infection from diarrheal stool specimens in children of seven regions in Japan was conducted from 1984 to 1999. The present study discusses the survey results and reviews the national and international data of more than 23 papers and congress proceedings about rotavirus infection in Japan. We analyze the prevalence of rotavirus infection in acute diarrheal in- and outpatients, the distribution of rotavirus G-serotypes and surveillance data for seasonality and age groups in Japan. The data indicated that rotavirus is the most important cause of diarrhea in Japan among young children, with the prevalence ranging from approximately 9.7 to 88%. The most common rotavirus strains belonged to serotype G1, specifically since 1993. Serotypes G2, G3 and G4 had also been documented to be predominantly based in the area and year before 1992. However, untypeable rotavirus strains had been found each year, with a prevalence up to 56.7% which suggests that rare serotypes (except G1-4) or new serotypes might exist. Unexpectedly, in Tokyo and Sapporo from 1998 to 1999, G9 was found to be the first most prevailing serotype with a high prevalence of 52.9 and 71.4%, respectively. Despite these data from different geographic areas, the year under investigation was relatively clear in respect to seasonality, with a peak of rotavirus activity in late winter (February) through early spring (March). Age distribution had also characterized that the infection was predominant among children aged 1-2 years of age, although it was also common in children of 2-3 years. In addition, mixed infection with bacteria was documented.