SAPOVIRUSES IN CHILDREN WITH ACUTE GASTROENTERITIS FROM MANAUS , AMAZON REGION, BRAZIL, 2010-2011

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Public Health
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Sapoviruses (SaVs) are a significant cause of acute gastroenteritis, particularly in young children and the elderly.
• Epidemiological data on SaVs in Brazil, especially Northern Brazil, are scarce.
• Understanding SaVs circulation is crucial for public health interventions, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of Sapoviruses in hospitalized children with acute gastroenteritis in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil.
• To identify circulating SaVs genotypes and understand their phylogenetic relationships.
• To establish baseline data on SaVs infections in a previously understudied region.

Main Methods:

• Fecal samples were collected from 156 hospitalized children under ten years old presenting with acute gastroenteritis.
• Samples were screened for SaVs using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
• Positive samples were genotyped, and phylogenetic analysis was conducted using reference sequences from GenBank.

Main Results:

• A SaVs positivity rate of 3.8% was detected, primarily in children under three years of age.
• Four distinct genotypes were identified: GI.1, GI.2, GII.2?-GII.4?/GII.4, with evidence suggesting potential inter-genotypic recombination.
• The majority of infections (83.3%) occurred during the August-September period, indicating seasonal patterns.

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first report of Sapovirus circulation in Manaus, Amazonas, confirming its presence in Northern Brazil.
• The detection of multiple SaVs genotypes highlights the genetic diversity of the virus in the region.
• Findings contribute valuable epidemiological data, comparable to international findings, and underscore the need for continued surveillance of SaVs in Brazil.