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Five year study of rotavirus gastroenteritis in Bulgaria

L M Shindarov1, D H Dimitrov, S Rangelova

  • 1Medical Academy Research Institute of Infectious ans Parasitic Diseases, Department of Virology, Sofia, Bulgaria.

Acta Virologica
|July 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Rotaviruses were detected in 9.6% of fecal samples from children in Sofia and 66.6% in Shumen. Eight rotavirus electropherotypes were identified, confirming winter seasonality of rotavirus gastroenteritis.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Pediatrics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrheal disease in infants and young children globally.
  • Understanding the prevalence and genetic diversity of rotaviruses is crucial for developing effective prevention and control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of rotavirus infections in hospitalized children in Bulgaria.
  • To characterize the genetic diversity of detected rotaviruses.
  • To confirm the seasonal patterns of rotavirus gastroenteritis.

Main Methods:

  • Electron microscopy was used to screen 7,530 fecal samples from children in Sofia and 264 samples from Shumen.
  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) were employed for further characterization.
  • Rotavirus RNA segment patterns were analyzed to identify electropherotypes.

Main Results:

  • Rotaviruses were detected in 9.6% of samples from Sofia and 66.6% from Shumen.
  • Eight distinct rotavirus electropherotypes were identified in Bulgaria.
  • A seasonal peak of rotavirus gastroenteritis was observed during winter months.
  • Rotavirus antibodies were present in 73% of tested children's sera.

Conclusions:

  • Rotavirus infections are prevalent in hospitalized children in Bulgaria, with significant regional variations.
  • The circulation of multiple rotavirus electropherotypes suggests genetic diversity within the country.
  • The findings reinforce the winter seasonality of rotavirus gastroenteritis and high seroprevalence in children.

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