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[Rota virus infection in the newborn and infant -- epidemiological aspects (author's transl)]
Insights
Adults possess antibodies against Rotavirus (Nebraska calf diarrhea virus), but infants show lower levels. A newborn ward study revealed high infection rates, with children contracting intestinal infections even with existing antibodies.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Rotavirus, specifically the Nebraska calf diarrhea virus strain, is a significant cause of intestinal infections.
- Antibody levels against Rotavirus exhibit an age-dependent pattern, with adults showing higher prevalence than infants.
Purpose:
- To investigate the infection rate and immune response to Rotavirus in a newborn ward.
- To assess the effectiveness of existing complement-fixing antibodies against Rotavirus infection in infants.
Summary:
- A survey in a newborn ward using electron microscopy, ELISA, and complement fixation tests identified a chronically high Rotavirus infection rate.
- Despite the presence of complement-fixing serum antibodies, children acquired intestinal infections, and few exhibited a rise in antibody titer, indicating potential immune evasion or insufficient antibody levels.
Impact:
- Highlights the vulnerability of infants to Rotavirus infections, even with pre-existing antibodies.
- Suggests the need for further research into Rotavirus pathogenesis and the development of more effective prevention strategies for vulnerable populations.
Abstract:
In a total of 406 sera an age-dependent pattern of complement fixing antibodies against Rotavirus (Nebraska calf diarrhea virus) was found: 85% of the adults had antibodies, infants in the second half-year of life had the lowest percentage (42%). Thereupon a Rotavirus survey was carried out in a newborn ward by means of electron microscopy, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and complement fixation test during three weeks in January/February 1978. A chronically high infection rate was discovered. Children acquired intestinal infection despite of complement fixing serum antibodies and very few showed a rise in antibody titer.