Rotavirus Gastroenteritis Hospitalizations Among Under-5 Children in Northern India

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) is a significant cause of severe diarrhea in young children globally.
• Understanding the epidemiological profile and circulating strains of RVGE is crucial for public health interventions, especially in regions with varying vaccination coverage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the epidemiological characteristics, prevalence, and molecular epidemiology of RVGE in hospitalized children under 5 years old.
• To identify the dominant rotavirus genotypes circulating in the sub-Himalayan region of Northern India.

Main Methods:

• A 4-year hospital-based surveillance study (2016-2019) was conducted on children under 5 hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis.
• Stool samples were tested for rotavirus using enzyme immunoassay (EIA), and positive samples underwent G and P genotyping.

Main Results:

• Rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) was detected in 23.03% of the 851 hospitalized children.
• The highest incidence of RVGE was in 2016, with a subsequent decline. The 12-23 month age group had the highest detection rates.
• The most common genotype identified was G3P[8] (46.94%), followed by G1P[8]. Mixed genotypes were observed in 13.78% of cases.

Conclusions:

• This study highlights the changing epidemiological trends of RVGE in Northern India.
• It identifies the major rotavirus genotypes circulating in the region following vaccine introduction, providing valuable data for public health strategies.