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The evolving epidemiology of rotavirus gastroenteritis in central Portugal with modest vaccine coverage

Fernanda Rodrigues1, Miren Iturriza-Gómara, Robin Marlow

  • 1Emergency Service and Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Pediátrico de Coimbra, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Av. Afonso Romão, Alto da Baleia, 3000-602 Coimbra, Portugal. frodrigues@chc.min-saude.pt

Journal of Clinical Virology : the Official Publication of the Pan American Society for Clinical Virology
|December 15, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Rotavirus acute gastroenteritis (AG) incidence fluctuated in Portugal despite rising vaccine coverage. Significant annual changes in rotavirus genotypes occurred, suggesting higher vaccination rates are needed for consistent disease impact.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Epidemiology
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Rotavirus (RV) vaccines have been available in Portugal since 2006.
  • Vaccine coverage increased from 16% to 42% between 2007 and 2010.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess trends in rotavirus acute gastroenteritis (AG) in children.
  • Surveillance was conducted in a Portuguese pediatric emergency service over five winter-spring seasons (2006-2010).

Main Methods:

  • Stool samples were collected from children aged ≤36 months with AG.
  • Samples were tested for RV using rapid immunochromatographic assay, and positive samples were genotyped.

Main Results:

  • 6145 AG cases were identified; 1956 (32%) provided stool samples.
  • RV positivity fluctuated annually (25%-49%), as did genotype distribution.
  • No consistent changes in seasonality or age distribution were observed.

Conclusions:

  • Rotavirus acute gastroenteritis incidence showed fluctuations without clear progressive trends or seasonal shifts.
  • Significant annual changes in RV genotype distributions were detected.
  • Higher rotavirus vaccine coverage may be necessary for a consistent impact on disease.
Abstract

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