Rotavirus Infections in Children Vaccinated Against Rotavirus in Pune, Western India

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Vaccinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in young children globally.
• Rotavirus vaccination programs aim to reduce disease burden and hospitalizations.
• Characterizing rotavirus infections in vaccinated populations is crucial for assessing vaccine effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate rotavirus infections in children under five hospitalized for acute gastroenteritis.
• To compare rotavirus positivity and disease severity between vaccinated and unvaccinated children.
• To identify prevalent rotavirus strains and co-infections in a hospital-based cohort in Pune, India.

Main Methods:

• An observational, hospital-based study was conducted in Pune, Western India, from 2013-14.
• Stool samples from 529 children under five hospitalized for acute gastroenteritis were analyzed.
• Rotavirus infection was detected using ELISA, and strains were genotyped by multiplex RT-PCR; other enteric viruses were also tested.

Main Results:

• Rotavirus positivity was significantly lower in vaccinated (28.3%) compared to unvaccinated (47%) children (P=0.01).
• Disease severity, measured by Vesikari score, was not significantly different between vaccinated and unvaccinated children.
• The G1P[8] strain was the most prevalent rotavirus strain in both groups; non-rotaviral co-infections were common but not associated with increased severity.

Conclusions:

• Rotavirus vaccination appears to reduce the incidence of rotavirus-associated hospitalizations for acute gastroenteritis.
• The G1P[8] strain remains prevalent in vaccinated and unvaccinated children.
• Non-rotaviral co-infections are common and warrant further investigation in the context of gastroenteritis management.