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Human Group C rotaviruses identified in Nigerian children

L Nimzing1, I Peenze, M Beer

  • 1Department of Microbiology, University of Jos, Jos Plateau State.

African Journal of Health Sciences
|June 22, 2007
PubMed

Insights

This study found human group C rotaviruses in Nigerian infants with acute diarrhea, marking the first report in West Africa. Group A rotavirus was also detected, highlighting the need for broader surveillance.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrheal disease in infants and young children globally.
  • Surveillance for rotavirus strains is crucial for understanding disease epidemiology and informing public health interventions.
  • Previous studies in Nigeria primarily focused on Group A rotavirus, leaving a gap in understanding other strains like Group C.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of rotavirus infection in infants and young children presenting with acute diarrhea in Jos State, Nigeria.
  • To identify the specific types of rotavirus circulating in the study population.
  • To report the first detection of human Group C rotaviruses in Nigeria and West Africa.

Main Methods:

  • Collection of 182 fecal specimens from children aged 1-60 months with acute infantile gastroenteritis in Jos, Nigeria.
  • Screening for Group A rotavirus antigen using a commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).
  • Detection and characterization of rotavirus strains by analyzing double-stranded RNA genome using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE).

Main Results:

  • Out of 182 specimens, 16 tested positive for Group A rotavirus antigen via ELISA.
  • Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed the presence of three distinct human Group C rotaviruses in the fecal specimens.
  • This study represents the initial identification of Group C rotaviruses in Nigeria and the broader West African region.

Conclusions:

  • Human Group C rotaviruses are circulating in Nigerian infants with acute gastroenteritis.
  • The findings expand the known spectrum of rotavirus strains causing pediatric diarrhea in West Africa.
  • Further research is warranted to determine the clinical significance and epidemiological impact of Group C rotaviruses in the region.

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