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Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
Published on: January 28, 2019
Molecular characterization of human group A rotavirus genotypes circulating in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Pakistan during
Asma Sadiq1, Nazish Bostan1, Habib Bokhari1
1Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University (CUI), Tarlai Kalan, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Insights
Group A rotavirus (RVA) causes severe diarrhea in children. This study identified common RVA genotypes in Pakistan before vaccination, providing crucial data for future public health strategies.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Group A rotaviruses (RVA) are a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in young children globally.
- Developing nations bear a significant RVA disease burden due to limited surveillance and healthcare infrastructure.
- Understanding circulating RVA strains is vital for effective vaccine implementation and disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalent Group A rotavirus genotypes in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan.
- To establish baseline data on RVA circulation before the introduction of rotavirus vaccination.
- To inform public health strategies for mitigating RVA disease burden.
Main Methods:
- A hospital-based study involving 639 fecal samples from children under 10 with AGE.
- Rotavirus antigen detection using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).
- Genotyping of positive samples using Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and sequencing.
Main Results:
- Rotavirus prevalence was 26.8%, peaking in children aged 6-11 months (34.9%).
- Predominant genotypes identified were G3P[8] (22.4%) and G12P[6] (20.3%).
- Other significant genotypes included G2P[4], G1P[8], and G9P[6]. A mixed genotype G1G3P[8] was also found.
Conclusions:
- The study provides essential baseline RVA genotype data for Pakistan prior to vaccine rollout.
- Findings will aid in assessing the impact of rotavirus vaccination on disease burden and viral evolution.
- Strengthening RVA surveillance and monitoring systems is crucial for Pakistani health authorities.
Abstract:
Group A rotaviruses (RVA) are one of the major causes of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in young children worldwide. Owing to lack of proper surveillance programs and health facilities, developing countries of Asia and Africa carry a disproportionately heavy share of the RVA disease burden. The aim of this hospital-based study was to investigate the circulation of RVA genotypes in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan in 2015 and 2016, prior to the implementation of RVA vaccine. 639 faecal samples collected from children under 10 years of age hospitalized with AGE were tested for RVA antigen by ELISA. Among 171 ELISA positive samples, 143 were successfully screened for RT-PCR and sequencing. The prevalence of RVA was found to be 26.8% with the highest frequency (34.9%) found among children of age group 6-11 months. The most predominant circulating genotypes were G3P[8] (22.4%) followed by G12P[6] (20.3%), G2P[4] (12.6%), G1P[8] (11.9%), G9P[6] (11.9%), G3P[4] (9.1%), G1P[6] (4.2%), G9P[8] (4.2%), and G3P[6] (0.7%). A single mixed genotype G1G3P[8] was also detected. The findings of this study provide baseline data, that will help to assess if future vaccination campaigns using currently available RVA vaccine will reduce RVA disease burden and instigate evolutionary changes in the overall RVA biology. The high prevalence of RVA infections in Pakistan require to improve and strengthen the surveillance and monitoring system for RVA. This will provide useful information for health authorities in planning public health care strategies to mitigate the disease burden caused by RVA.
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