Hospital-based study in children with rotavirus gastroenteritis and other enteropathogens

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases Epidemiology

Background:

• Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in young children worldwide.
• Understanding current rotavirus trends and associated enteropathogens is crucial for public health interventions.
• Nepal faces a significant burden of childhood diarrhea, necessitating local epidemiological data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the current prevalence and incidence of rotavirus infections in children under five in Nepal.
• To identify other enteropathogens co-occurring with rotavirus in pediatric diarrhea cases.
• To characterize the predominant rotavirus serotypes circulating in Nepal between 2009 and 2010.

Main Methods:

• Enzyme Immuno Assay (EIA) was used to detect rotavirus in 1721 stool samples.
• Reverse-Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) was employed for rotavirus strain genotyping.
• Standard microbiological techniques were utilized to identify bacterial and parasitic co-infections.

Main Results:

• Rotavirus prevalence was 24.7% overall, higher in inpatients (31.6%) and females (26.4%).
• The G12P6 serotype was predominant (45% in 2009, 28% in 2010), with G9P6 emerging in 2010.
• Escherichia coli (6.5%) and Giardia lamblia (1.3%) were the most common bacterial and parasitic isolates, respectively. Mixed infections increased from 14.0% to 29.8%.

Conclusions:

• The study provides insights into the epidemiology of rotavirus and co-infections in Nepalese children.
• G12P6 is the primary rotavirus genotype in Nepal, highlighting the need for targeted surveillance.
• Findings support the development of effective control strategies against childhood diarrhea caused by rotavirus and other pathogens.