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Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
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Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus

Published on: January 28, 2019

Molecular epidemiology of rotavirus in Central and Southeastern Europe

Olga Tcheremenskaia1, Gianluca Marucci, Simona De Petris

  • 1Department MIPI, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.

Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|May 18, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Surveillance of rotavirus strains in Central-Eastern Europe revealed diverse G/P genotypes, including emerging G9 and uncommon strains. This genetic variability poses challenges for rotavirus vaccine effectiveness in the region.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in children globally.
  • Understanding rotavirus genotype distribution is crucial for vaccine efficacy and public health strategies.
  • Previous studies indicated regional variations in rotavirus strains, necessitating localized surveillance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the G and P genotypes of rotavirus in children with severe gastroenteritis across Central-Eastern Europe.
  • To identify common, emerging, and unusual rotavirus strains and their geographical distribution.
  • To assess the implications of observed rotavirus diversity for rotavirus vaccine implementation.

Main Methods:

  • A surveillance network collected approximately 1,500 rotavirus-positive stool samples from hospitalized children (2004-2006).
  • Reverse transcription-nested PCR was used to determine G and P genotypes.
  • Geographical distribution and prevalence of different G/P combinations were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Significant geographical variations in rotavirus genotype distribution were observed among participating countries.
  • Common G/P combinations (G1P[8], G3P[8], G4P[8], G2P[4]) accounted for 50-85% of infections.
  • Emerging G9 genotype prevalence varied from 2-35%, while unusual (e.g., G1P[4], G2P[8]) and uncommon (G8P[8], G10P[6]) strains were also detected.
  • Double rotavirus infections occurred in 1.7-14% of cases.

Conclusions:

  • The study highlights significant rotavirus genetic diversity across Central-Eastern Europe, including emerging and potentially zoonotic strains.
  • Observed genotype variability and reassortment may impact the effectiveness of current rotavirus vaccines.
  • Continuous and extensive rotavirus strain surveillance is essential for guiding vaccine development and public health interventions in the region.

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