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Frequency, clinical characteristics, and genotype distribution of rotavirus gastroenteritis in Greece (2007-2008)

Dimitra Koukou1, Ioanna Grivea, Eleftheria Roma

  • 1First Department of Pediatrics, Athens University, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.

Journal of Medical Virology
|November 26, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Rotavirus gastroenteritis is common in Greek children, particularly during winter months. The study identified prevalent rotavirus genotypes, similar to other European countries, aiding in understanding disease epidemiology.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Pediatrics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Rotavirus is a primary cause of severe diarrhea in young children globally.
  • Understanding rotavirus prevalence and characteristics in specific regions is crucial for public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence, clinical features, and rotavirus genotype distribution in Greece.
  • To assess the impact of rotavirus on pediatric gastroenteritis in a multi-center setting.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective multi-center study involving 393 children in five Greek Pediatric Hospitals (2007-2008).
  • Detection of group A rotavirus antigen using immunochromatography.
  • G and P genotyping performed via reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing.

Main Results:

  • Rotavirus caused 42.3% of non-hospitalized and 47.8% of hospitalized gastroenteritis cases.
  • Peak incidence occurred from December to April, with most affected children aged 3 months to 3 years.
  • Common genotypes included G1P[8] (49%), G2P[4] (31%), G4P[8] (10%), and G9P[8] (9%).

Conclusions:

  • Rotavirus is a significant etiological agent of acute gastroenteritis in young children in Greece.
  • The circulating rotavirus genotypes in Greece align with those observed in other European countries.

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