Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
Published on: January 28, 2019
Review of rotavirus studies in Africa: 1976-2006
Zainab Waggie1, Anthony Hawkridge, Gregory D Hussey
1Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa. Zainab.Waggie@uct.ac.za
Insights
Rotavirus infection is a significant cause of severe diarrhea in African children. This vaccine-preventable disease necessitates continued public health efforts and surveillance in the region.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrheal disease in children globally.
- Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia bear the highest burden of rotavirus-associated mortality.
- This review examines the prevalence of rotavirus infection across Africa over three decades.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the prevalence of rotavirus infection in children under five years of age in Africa.
- To analyze trends in rotavirus prevalence over a 30-year period (1976-2006).
- To assess rotavirus prevalence across different study settings.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Medline.
- Studies included children under five years, with over 50 participants and a minimum 3-month observation period.
- Data were analyzed by time periods (1976-1985, 1986-1995, 1996-2006) and study settings (hospital, outpatient, combined).
Main Results:
- 101 studies from 27 African countries (1976-2006) met the inclusion criteria.
- Rotavirus was detected in 25% of stool samples, with a 16%-32% interquartile range.
- Rotavirus was the most frequently identified pathogen in 73% of studies investigating multiple diarrheal agents.
Conclusions:
- Rotavirus remains a critical cause of severe diarrhea in African children under five.
- Clinical trials demonstrate that rotavirus disease is preventable by vaccination in Africa.
- Vaccination strategies are crucial for reducing rotavirus burden in the continent.
Background:
Rotavirus is a common cause of severe diarrheal disease in children worldwide. Ninety percent of the associated deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa and South East Asia. Our aim was to review the prevalence of rotavirus infection in Africa over the past 30 years.
Methods:
Eligible studies were identified from 3 Medline searches. Only studies including children <5 years of age that included >50 children and had an observational period >3 months were included. The data were analyzed during 3 periods (1976-1985, 1986-1995, and 1996-2006), as a summary (1976-2006), and by different study settings (ie, hospital, outpatient department, and combined).
Results:
The initial search identified 206 studies from 27 countries during 1976-2006. The refined search yielded 101 studies, of which 58 (57%) were hospital based, 25 (25%) were outpatient studies, and 18 (18%) were combined. Rotavirus was detected in 25% (interquartile range, 16%-32%) of stool samples. Rotavirus was the most common agent identified in 73% of studies in which multiple diarrheal agents were determined.
Conclusion:
Rotavirus is an important cause of severe diarrheal disease in children <5 years of age in Africa. Clinical trials in South Africa and Malawi have shown that severe rotavirus disease is a vaccine-preventable entity in Africa.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Bacterial Gastroenteritis
01:10Retrovirus Life Cycles
02:33Retroviruses