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Surveillance for rotavirus in Argentina
1Viral Gastroenteritis Laboratory, Department of Virology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Journal of Medical Virology
|August 16, 2001
Summary
Group A rotavirus causes severe diarrhea in children globally. A surveillance study in Argentina found rotavirus in 42% of diarrhea admissions, suggesting vaccines could reduce disease burden.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Group A rotaviruses are a leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in young children worldwide.
- Rotavirus vaccination was becoming available, necessitating local disease burden assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a nationwide surveillance program for rotavirus in Argentina.
- To determine the disease burden, prevalence, and common genotypes of rotavirus in Argentine children.
Main Methods:
- A surveillance program was conducted in major Argentine cities from October 1996 to October 1998.
- Data collection included disease burden, rotavirus detection, and G/P typing at nine locations.
Main Results:
- Rotavirus was associated with 42% of pediatric diarrhea admissions.
- Common G types (96% of cases) were identified, often with common P types, though uncommon types and combinations were also detected.
- Prevalent G types varied annually.
Conclusions:
- Rotavirus vaccines have the potential to significantly reduce the disease burden in Argentina.
- Ongoing surveillance is crucial to monitor vaccine impact and evolving rotavirus strains.