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Rotavirus gastroenteritis among children under five years of age in Valencia, Spain

Javier Díez-Domingo1, Itziar Oyagüez Martín, Alfredo Ballester Sanz

  • 1Vaccine Area, Center for Public Health Research, Vaccine Institute of Valencia, Spain. diez_jav@gva.es

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|April 29, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Rotavirus gastroenteritis is common in children under five in Valencia, Spain, with an incidence of 15 per 1,000. This viral illness peaks in winter, primarily affecting infants under 12 months.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrheal disease globally in young children.
  • Understanding local incidence is crucial for public health interventions and vaccination strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the population-based incidence of rotavirus gastroenteritis in children under five years of age in Valencia, Spain.
  • To identify the age groups and seasons most affected by rotavirus gastroenteritis.
  • To characterize the prevalent rotavirus genotypes.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study was conducted over one year (December 2003-November 2004).
  • All gastroenteritis episodes in children under five were recorded.
  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect rotavirus antigen in stool samples.
  • Rotavirus genotyping was performed on positive samples.

Main Results:

  • A total of 553 gastroenteritis episodes were recorded, with an overall annual incidence of 138 per 1,000 children under five.
  • Rotavirus antigen was detected in 15% of samples, yielding a rotavirus gastroenteritis incidence of 15 per 1,000.
  • The highest incidence (31 per 1,000) was observed in children 12 months of age or younger.
  • Eighty percent of rotavirus cases occurred during winter months (January-March).
  • Genotype G1 was the predominant strain (86%), followed by G4 (14%).

Conclusions:

  • Rotavirus gastroenteritis represents a significant public health concern for young children in Valencia, Spain.
  • Infants under one year are particularly vulnerable.
  • The findings underscore the importance of rotavirus vaccination programs, especially during winter months, with a focus on G1 genotype surveillance.

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