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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
10:49
Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
Published on: January 28, 2019
[Impact of rotavirus vaccines in developing countries]
1Fédération de biologie clinique, Hôpital d'Instruction des Armées Bégin Saint Mandé Cedex. familledelacour@gmail.com
Medecine Tropicale : Revue Du Corps De Sante Colonial
|September 4, 2009
Summary
Rotaviruses cause severe diarrhea in young children globally. Two new rotavirus vaccines, Rotarix and RotaTeq, show excellent safety and effectiveness, prompting wider adoption in immunization programs.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pediatrics
- Vaccinology
Context:
- Rotaviruses are the leading cause of severe diarrheal disease in infants and young children worldwide.
- Rotavirus infections result in over 600,000 deaths annually among children under five, predominantly in developing nations.
- The discovery of rotaviruses in 1973 highlighted a significant global health challenge.
Purpose:
- To review the introduction and initial impact of newly licensed rotavirus vaccines.
- To assess the safety and effectiveness of two live oral attenuated rotavirus vaccines.
- To inform decisions regarding the inclusion of rotavirus vaccines in national immunization programs.
Summary:
- Two live oral attenuated rotavirus vaccines, monovalent Rotarix and pentavalent RotaTeq, were licensed in 2006.
- Both vaccines demonstrated high safety and protective effectiveness in extensive pre-licensing clinical trials.
- Several Latin and Central American countries have integrated these vaccines into their national immunization schedules.
Impact:
- The successful implementation of rotavirus vaccines in some regions offers a promising strategy to reduce childhood mortality from diarrheal diseases.
- Further studies are pending in African and Asian countries to guide their vaccine adoption decisions.
- Widespread vaccination has the potential to significantly decrease the global burden of rotavirus gastroenteritis in young children.
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