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Published on: January 28, 2019
Genetic susceptibility to rotavirus infection in Chinese children: a population-based case-control study
Jin-Xia Wang1, Li-Na Chen1, Can-Jing Zhang1
1Key Laboratory Medical Molecular Virology, MoE/MoH, and the Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
Insights
Histo-blood group antigen secretor status significantly increases the risk of rotavirus (RV) infection in Chinese children. This finding supports the potential success of a universal rotavirus vaccination program in China.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Rotaviruses (RVs) are a primary cause of acute gastroenteritis in children globally.
- Histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) are implicated as key factors in rotavirus attachment and host susceptibility.
- Understanding host genetic factors is crucial for managing rotavirus disease burden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between histo-blood group antigen (HBGA) secretor status and the risk of rotavirus (RV) infection in Chinese children.
- To evaluate the role of HBGA phenotyping and FUT2 mutations in rotavirus susceptibility.
- To assess the implications for rotavirus vaccine efficacy in the studied population.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study nested within a population-based diarrhea surveillance system in rural Hebei, China.
- Collection of saliva and serum samples from children under 5 years old for HBGA phenotyping, FUT2 mutation analysis, and RV IgG antibody titers.
- Logistic regression modeling to determine the association between HBGA secretor status and RV infection risk.
Main Results:
- A strong association was found between HBGA secretor status and increased risk of RV infection (adjusted OR = 3.0, P < .0001).
- Secretor rates were significantly higher in RV cases (91.9%) compared to non-diarrhea controls (76.3%).
- High prevalence of Lewis-positive secretor status was observed, suggesting genetic susceptibility in Chinese children.
Conclusions:
- Host HBGA secretor status is a significant risk factor for rotavirus infection in Chinese children.
- The genetic profile of Chinese children indicates susceptibility to currently circulating rotavirus strains.
- A universal childhood rotavirus immunization program is likely to be effective in China.
Abstract:
Rotaviruses (RVs) are the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in children, while histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) are believed to be host attachment and susceptibility factors of RVs. A large case-control study nested in a population-based diarrhea surveillance targeting children <5 y of age was performed in rural Hebei province, north China. Saliva and serum samples were collected from all participants to determine HBGA phenotyping, FUT2 mutations, and RV IgG antibody titers. A logistic model was employed to assess the association between host HBGA secretor status and risk of RV infection. Among 235 RV cases and 680 non-diarrhea controls studied, 82.4% of participants were IgG positive by an average age of 77 months. Out of the 235 RV cases, 216 (91.9%) were secretors, whereas the secretor rate was 76.3% in the non-diarrhea controls, resulted in an adjusted OR of 3.0 (95%CI: 1.9-4.7, P < .0001) between the two groups. Our population-based case-control study indicated a strong association between host HBGA secretor status and risk of RV infection in Chinese children. The high prevalence of Lewis-positive secretor status strongly suggests that Chinese children may be genetically susceptible to current co-circulating RV strains, and thus, a universal childhood immunization program against RV disease should be successful in China.
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