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Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
Published on: January 28, 2019
High genotypic diversity among rotavirus strains infecting Gambian children
Brenda A Kwambana1, Usman N Ikumapayi, Neneh Sallah
1From the *Medical Research Council Unit, Fajara, The Gambia; †Center for Vaccine Development, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; and ‡Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA.
Insights
Rotavirus is a major cause of childhood diarrhea. This study characterized rotavirus genotypes in The Gambia before vaccine introduction, finding diverse strains like G2P[6] and G1P[8].
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Rotavirus is the primary cause of severe diarrhea in children under five globally.
- Sub-Saharan Africa faces a significant burden of rotavirus disease.
- Characterizing rotavirus genotypic diversity is crucial for vaccine effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the circulating rotavirus genotypes in The Gambia before widespread vaccine implementation.
- To establish baseline data for post-vaccine surveillance.
Main Methods:
- Stool samples collected from children aged 0-59 months with moderate-to-severe diarrhea (cases) and healthy controls.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) used for rotavirus antigen detection.
- Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) employed for rotavirus genotyping.
Main Results:
- Rotavirus detected in 20% of cases and 3% of controls.
- At least 18 rotavirus genotypes identified, with G2P[6] (28%) and G1P[8] (26%) being predominant.
- Rotavirus infection showed a strong association with the dry season and factors like untreated water access and domestic animal presence.
Conclusions:
- The study established baseline rotavirus genotype data in The Gambia prior to RotaTeq vaccine introduction.
- The observed wide genotypic diversity necessitates ongoing surveillance to monitor vaccine effectiveness.
Background:
Rotavirus is the leading cause of diarrhea in children <5 years of age. In light of the implementation of rotavirus vaccines of limited valency, it is important to characterize the genotypic diversity of circulating rotavirus in sub-Saharan Africa.
Methods:
We collected stool samples from children 0-59 months of age who presented at the health centres as cases with moderate-to-severe diarrhea in the Upper River Region of The Gambia. Stool samples were also collected from age, sex and area-matched healthy controls. All stool samples were assayed for rotavirus antigens by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and genotyping was done using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.
Results:
We enrolled 1029 cases and 1569 controls during the 3-year study period (2008-2010). The detection rate of rotavirus among the cases was 20% (204/1029) and 3% (42/1569) among controls. At least 18 genotypes were found and the predominant genotypes were G2P[6] (28%), G1P[8] (26%) and G1P[10] (10%). The rare identified genotypes (<1%) were G2P[14], G8P[6], G9P[6] and G4P[10]. There was also a strong positive association between rotavirus infection and the dry season (odds ratio: 9.83, 95% confidence interval: 6.18-15.63, P < 0.001). A significant increase in the odds of rotavirus and G1P[8] detection with the use of untreated water and the presence of cats, rodents and cows in the child's residence was also found.
Conclusion:
This study provides important baseline data for the genotypes circulating before vaccine implementation. The wide diversity of genotypes circulating in The Gambia implies the need for vigilant effectiveness surveillance following the implementation of RotaTeq in August 2013.
