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Epidemiological, molecular, and clinical features of rotavirus infections among pediatrics in Qatar
Shilu Mathew1, Khalid Al Ansari2, Asmaa A Al Thani1,3
1Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
Insights
Rotavirus (RV) infections are common in children under three in Qatar, with G3P[8] genotypes causing the most severe diarrhea and vomiting. This study highlights the diverse RV strains circulating in Qatar due to its multinational population.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is a significant global health issue, particularly in children.
- Rotavirus (RV) is a primary etiological agent responsible for severe pediatric diarrhea worldwide.
- Understanding circulating RV genotypes and their clinical impact is crucial for effective disease management and vaccine strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of circulating rotavirus genotypes in Qatar.
- To analyze the association between RV genotypes, demographic factors, and clinical manifestations in children.
- To identify dominant RV strains and their characteristics within the Qatari population.
Main Methods:
- Collection and analysis of 231 RV-positive fecal samples from children with AGE over three years (June 2016-June 2019).
- Amplification and sequencing of VP4 and VP7 genes for genotype determination.
- Phylogenetic analysis using MEGA7.0 and statistical comparisons using Pearson's chi-squared test.
Main Results:
- RV infections were most prevalent in children aged 1-3 years (49%) and more frequent in males (1.4:1 ratio).
- Common genotypes identified were G3P[8] (30.8%), G2P[8] (12.3%), G4P[8] (11.7%), and G1P[8] (10.4%).
- The G3P[8] genotype was associated with the most severe clinical illness, including frequent diarrhea and vomiting, and showed higher incidence in Qatari subjects.
Conclusions:
- The multinational population of Qatar contributes to a wide diversity of circulating RV genotypes.
- G3P[8] emerged as the most prevalent genotype associated with severe illness, differing from regional and global patterns.
- Findings underscore the importance of continuous surveillance of RV genotypes and their clinical impact in Qatar.
Abstract:
Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) remains a major cause of diarrhea in developing and developed countries. Rotavirus (RV) is a leading cause of severe pediatric diarrhea worldwide. Here we report on the prevalence of circulating genotypes in association with demographics and clinical manifestations outcomes in Qatar. A total of 231 RV-positive fecal samples were collected from children suffering from AGE during 3 years study period between June 2016 and June 2019. The age of the subjects ranged between 2 months and 14 years (median of 16 months). The VP4 and VP7 were amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using MEGA7.0. Pearson's chi-squared test was used to determine significant differences for comparisons of general categorical variables. RV infections were most common in children between 1 and 3 years of age (49%), followed by those < 1 year and > 3 years of age (33% and 28%, respectively). RV infections were more frequent in males than females, with a ratio of 1.4:1. RV infections occurred throughout the year, with a noticeable increase in summer (42.8%) and a drop in winter (20.1%). RV genotypes G3P[8] (30.8%), G2P[8] (12.3%), G4P[8] (11.7%), and G1P[8] (10.4%) were the common genotypes during the study period. The G3P[8] strain detected in our study revealed similarities to the equine-like G3P[8] (10.3%; 24/231) (KT988229.1), Wa-like genomic constellation (9%; 21/231) (MF563894.1), and DS-1-like strains (6.4%; 15/231) (LC386081.1). Based on the Vesikari score system, severe clinical illness including diarrhea and vomiting (average frequency: 4 to 5 times/day) was recorded for G3P[8] group, followed by G9P[8], G4P[8], and G1P[8]. Higher incidence for G3P[8], G2P[8], G4P[8], and G1P[8] were reported in Qatari subjects compared to other nationalities. The multinational status of a small country explains the wide diversity of circulating RV genotypes in Qatar. The highest prevalence and severe illnesses were recorded to G3P[8], which is different from other surrounding countries/global levels.
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