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Molecular epidemiology of rotavirus in children attending day care centers in Houston
M L O'Ryan1, D O Matson, M K Estes
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical School, Houston 77030.
Insights
Group A rotavirus serotypes in Houston day care centers were studied. Serotype distribution was similar to hospitalized children, with serotypes 1 and 3 predominating in different seasons.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Group A rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrhea in young children globally.
- Previous studies have not reported serotype distribution in day care settings.
- Understanding serotype prevalence is crucial for vaccine development and public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the serotype distribution of group A rotavirus in children attending day care centers in Houston.
- To compare this distribution with that of children hospitalized for rotavirus-associated diarrhea.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal monitoring of rotavirus infection in 15 Houston day care centers over 1-3 seasons.
- Daily diarrhea monitoring and weekly stool collection.
- Serotyping of rotavirus strains using monoclonal antibody (MAb)-based ELISA for VP7 protein (serotypes 1-4) and gel electrophoresis.
Main Results:
- A total of 362 rotavirus episodes were identified in 318 children; 149 were serotyped.
- Serotype distribution in day care centers mirrored that of hospitalized children.
- Serotype 1 predominated in season 2, and serotype 3 in season 3.
- Recurrent symptomatic infections occurred in 43 children, with 2 experiencing reinfection with the same serotype.
- Intraserotypic electrophoretic variations were common, particularly among serotype 1 viruses.
Conclusions:
- The study provides the first report on group A rotavirus serotype distribution in day care attendees.
- Findings suggest similar circulating strains in both community and hospital settings.
- Further research into intraserotypic variations may be warranted.
Abstract:
Serotype distribution of group A rotavirus in children attending day care centers has not been previously reported. Fifteen centers in Houston participated in longitudinal monitoring of rotavirus infection during one to three consecutive rotavirus seasons. Monitoring included daily recording of the presence of diarrhea and weekly stool collection. Stool specimens containing rotavirus were analyzed by a monoclonal antibody (MAb)-based ELISA specific for the VP7 protein of serotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4 and by gel electrophoresis. A total of 318 children had 362 rotavirus episodes; 149 could be serotyped. Serotype distribution of this population was similar to that of children hospitalized for diarrhea in a large pediatric hospital in Houston during the same period. Symptomatic infections were predominantly due to serotype 1 rotaviruses in season 2 and serotype 3 rotaviruses in season 3. Episodes recurred in 43 children; 2 children had second symptomatic infections of the same serotype as the first. Electrophoretic differences among rotaviruses of a same serotype were common and more frequent among serotype 1 than serotype 3 viruses.