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Rotavirus infection and intussusception: a view from retrospect
1Department of Microbiology, Akita University School of Medicine, Hondo, Japan. tnakagom@ipc.akita-u.ac.jp
Microbiology and Immunology
|October 6, 2000
Summary
Rhesus rotavirus vaccine (RRV-TV) may increase intussusception risk shortly after immunization. However, natural rotavirus infections, particularly G3 strains, might cause idiopathic intussusception in infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric gastroenterology
- Vaccinology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Rhesus rotavirus tetravalent (RRV-TV) vaccine recalled due to intussusception concerns.
- Natural rotavirus infection is not typically associated with intussusception.
Purpose of the Study:
- Re-examine data linking rotavirus infection and intussusception.
- Investigate the potential etiological association between viral infections and intussusception.
- Hypothesize that natural rotavirus strains, specifically G3, may cause idiopathic intussusception.
Main Methods:
- Review of previously published data on rotavirus and intussusception.
- Case study of adenovirus and intussusception as a paradigm.
- Analysis of epidemiological data on RRV-TV vaccine and intussusception incidence.
Main Results:
- RRV-TV vaccine shows a significantly higher rate of intussusception post-vaccination, especially after the first dose.
- The cumulative incidence of intussusception among vaccine recipients does not proportionally increase.
- Natural rotavirus infection, particularly G3 strains, is hypothesized to contribute to idiopathic intussusception.
Conclusions:
- The RRV-TV vaccine may pose a minimal attributable risk for intussusception.
- Natural rotavirus infections, influenced by strain prevalence (e.g., G3), could be a significant cause of infant intussusception.