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Updated: May 18, 2026
Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
Published on: January 28, 2019
Hospital-based study in children with rotavirus gastroenteritis and other enteropathogens
J B Sherchand1, S Tandukar, J B Sherchan
1Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Institute of Medicine, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal. jeevansherchand@hotmail.com
Insights
Rotavirus gastroenteritis is a major threat to children globally. This study in Nepal found Rotavirus prevalence at 24.7%, with G12P6 as the dominant strain, and identified common bacterial and parasitic co-infections.
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.
Background:
Rotavirus is the most common cause of life threatening gastroenteritis in infants and young children in the world. The objective of the study is to find out current trends and incidents of rotavirus, including other enteropathogens related with children diarrhoea and lastly identify the most common rotavirus serotypes that circulate in Nepal.
Methods:
A total of 1721 stool samples from less than 5 years of children were collected. Rotavirus in the stool samples were detected by Enzyme Immuno Assay (EIA) and strains were genotyped by Reverse-Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Bacteria and parasites were detected by following standard microbiological procedures.
Results:
In between 2009 to 2010, of the total 1721, the prevalence of rotavirus was 24.7%. Of them, 906 (52.6%) were collected in the year 2009 and 815(47.5%) in the year 2010. Rotavirus was frequently detected in inpatients (31.6%) than outpatient (16.8%). Rotavirus detection was higher in female (26.4%) than male (23.7%). The prevalence was seen higher in age group 0-23 months in both years. Among six different bacterial isolates, Escherichia coli was most frequently isolated (6.5%). Similarly, Giardia lamblia (1.3%) was most common among six different parasites detected. A total of rotavirus positive 425 stool samples were detected over 2 years (2009-230, and 2010-195), G12P6 was the predominant strain circulating in both (45% in 2009 and 28% in 2010) years. G9P6 emerged in 2010 (6%). There were significant numbers of mixed infections (14.0% in 2009 and 29.8% in 2010). Thirty five samples were partially typed and 15 were completely untyped over the two year period.
Conclusions:
The study helps comprehend the prevalence of rotavirus along with other intestinal pathogens including bacteria and parasites. Major genotypes of rotavirus are also introduced in the study.
