Prevalence and Genotypic Distribution of Rotavirus in Thailand: A Multicenter Study

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children worldwide.
• In Thailand, rotavirus accounts for one-third of reported pediatric diarrheal cases, highlighting the need for epidemiological surveillance.
• Understanding rotavirus epidemiology is crucial for effective public health interventions, especially before national vaccination programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of rotavirus infection in Thai children.
• To identify common and uncommon rotavirus genotypes circulating in Thailand.
• To provide baseline data for the national rotavirus vaccination program.

Main Methods:

• Stool samples were collected from 1,709 children with acute gastroenteritis and 1,761 controls in Thailand (2008-2010).
• Rotavirus detection was performed using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the vp6 gene and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
• G and P genotypes were determined by conventional RT-PCR targeting the vp7 and vp4 genes, respectively.

Main Results:

• Rotavirus was detected in 26.8% of cases and 1.6% of controls.
• The predominant genotype identified was G1P[8], followed by G2P[4], G3P[8], and G9P[8].
• Uncommon genotypes (e.g., G1P[4], G12P[8]) and novel recombinant strains (G5P[19], G1P7[5]) were also detected.

Conclusions:

• Rotavirus infection is highly prevalent in Thai children with acute gastroenteritis.
• G1P[8] is the dominant rotavirus strain in Thailand, but a diverse range of genotypes, including potential vaccine-related strains, are circulating.
• This study provides essential molecular epidemiological data to inform the upcoming national rotavirus vaccination strategy in Thailand.