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Updated: May 24, 2026
10:49
Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
Published on: January 28, 2019
Nosocomial rotavirus infections: a meta-analysis
Patricia Bruijning-Verhagen1, Caroline Quach, Marc Bonten
1Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.
Pediatrics
|March 7, 2012
Summary
Nosocomial rotavirus (nRV) infections are a significant concern in hospitalized children, particularly infants during winter months. This study provides reliable estimates of nRV incidence to inform vaccination program cost-effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Nosocomial rotavirus (nRV) infections contribute significantly to rotavirus (RV)-associated morbidity in pediatric populations.
- Accurate nRV incidence data are crucial for evaluating the economic impact and cost-effectiveness of rotavirus vaccination strategies.
- Estimating the true burden of nRV disease is essential for public health planning and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize existing evidence on nRV incidence in pediatric hospital settings across Europe and North America.
- To generate reliable and precise estimates of nRV incidence, considering various epidemiological factors.
- To inform the assessment of rotavirus vaccination programs by providing robust disease burden data.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant studies on nRV incidence in pediatric inpatients.
- Inclusion criteria focused on studies employing active nRV surveillance to ensure complete and accurate case reporting.
- Random effects meta-analysis and meta-regression were utilized to pool data and adjust for key study characteristics.
Main Results:
- Twenty high-quality surveillance studies met the inclusion criteria.
- The pooled unadjusted nRV incidence was 2.9 per 100 hospitalizations (95% CI: 1.6-4.4).
- Incidence varied significantly based on seasonality and patient age, with the highest rates observed in children under 2 years during epidemic months (8.1/100 hospitalizations). Adjusted year-round estimates were 0.4/100 (no age restriction) and 0.7/100 (under 5 years).
Conclusions:
- This meta-analysis provides the first comprehensive summary of nRV incidence from surveillance studies.
- Nosocomial rotavirus poses a considerable threat to hospitalized infants, especially during winter.
- Season- and age-adjusted nRV incidence estimates are more suitable for population-based disease burden analyses and vaccination impact assessments.
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