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Published on: January 28, 2019
Association of rotavirus strains and severity of gastroenteritis in Indian children
Tarun Saluja1, Mandeep S Dhingra2, Shiv D Sharma3
1a Shantha Biotechnics Pvt. Ltd. , Hyderabad , India.
Insights
This study investigated rotavirus strains in Indian children under five. Certain rotavirus G-types, like G9, were associated with more severe diarrhea, highlighting the importance of strain surveillance for public health.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Rotavirus is a primary cause of severe dehydrating diarrhea in young children globally.
- Understanding circulating rotavirus strains and their impact on disease severity is crucial for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between specific rotavirus G-types and the severity of acute gastroenteritis in children under five years old in India.
- To analyze rotavirus strain diversity and its correlation with clinical outcomes in hospitalized children.
Main Methods:
- A hospital-based surveillance study involving 4,711 children under five with severe acute gastroenteritis.
- Stool sample analysis using enzyme immunoassay for rotavirus VP6 antigen detection.
- Genotyping of rotavirus positive samples for VP7 and VP4 antigens via reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction.
Main Results:
- Rotavirus was detected in 26.4% (541/2051) of stool samples.
- Rotavirus G1, G2, G9, and G12 infections were analyzed for gastroenteritis severity.
- Rotavirus G9 was associated with the highest proportion of very severe diarrhea (54.5%), while G12 showed 40.9% very severe cases.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests a correlation between specific rotavirus G-types and the severity of gastroenteritis in young children in India.
- Rotavirus strain surveillance is important for understanding disease epidemiology and informing vaccination strategies.
Abstract:
Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe and dehydrating diarrhea in children aged under 5 years. We undertook this hospital-based surveillance study to examine the possible relationship between the severity of diarrhea and the various G-group rotaviruses circulating in India. Stool samples (n = 2,051) were systematically collected from 4,711 children aged <5 years admitted with severe acute gastroenteritis to 12 medical school centers from April 2011 to July 2012. Rotavirus testing was undertaken using a commercially available enzyme immunoassay kit for the rotavirus VP6 antigen (Premier Rotaclone Qualitative ELISA). Rotavirus positive samples were genotyped for VP7 and VP4 antigens by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction at a central laboratory. Of the stool samples tested for rotavirus antigen, 541 (26.4%) were positive for VP6 antigen. Single serotype infections from 377 stool samples were compared in terms of gastroenteritis severity. Among those with G1 rotavirus infection, very severe diarrhea (Vesikari score ≥ 16) was reported in 59 (33.9%) children, severe diarrhea (Vesikari score 11-15) in 104 (59.8%), moderate (Vesikari score 6-10) and mild diarrhea (Vesikari score 0-5) in 11 (6.3%). Among those with G2 infection, very severe diarrhea was reported in 26 (27.4%) children, severe diarrhea in 46 (48.4%), and moderate and mild diarrhea in 23 (24.2 %). Among those with G9 infection, very severe diarrhea was reported in 47 (54.5%) children, severe diarrhea in 29 (33.6%), and moderate and mild diarrhea in 10 (11.9%). Among those with G12 infection, very severe diarrhea was reported in 9 (40.9%) children and severe diarrhea in 13 (59.1%). The results of this study indicate some association between rotavirus serotypes and severity of gastroenteritis.
