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Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
Published on: January 28, 2019
Paediatric viral gastroenteritis and regional predominant viral pathogens in the post-rotavirus vaccination year:
1Consultant Paediatrician, South West Acute Hospital-Paediatric Department, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
Insights
Rotavirus remains the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in young children in Ireland, even after vaccine introduction. This study identified rotavirus, adenovirus, and norovirus as key viral pathogens in Mayo University Hospital.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Acute gastroenteritis presents a substantial global health challenge, particularly affecting young children.
- Rotavirus has historically been the predominant viral agent responsible for childhood gastroenteritis worldwide.
- The introduction of rotavirus vaccines necessitates an evaluation of current enteric viral pathogen prevalence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the primary enteric viral pathogens causing gastroenteritis in children under three years old in County Mayo, Ireland.
- To assess the epidemiological impact of rotavirus vaccination on viral gastroenteritis patterns in the post-vaccine era (2016-2017).
Main Methods:
- A prospective study was conducted at Mayo University Hospital from November 2016 to November 2017.
- Stool samples from 150 children (up to 3 years old) presenting with vomiting and diarrhea were analyzed.
- Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to detect viral pathogens.
Main Results:
- 60% (90/150) of samples tested positive for a single viral pathogen.
- Rotavirus was the most frequently detected pathogen (24.6%), including in vaccinated infants.
- Human adenovirus F (13%), norovirus (12%), sapovirus (6%), and astrovirus (5%) were also identified.
Conclusions:
- Rotavirus continues to be the predominant cause of viral gastroenteritis in young children in this region, one year post-vaccine introduction.
- Findings align with pre-vaccination national data, suggesting sustained rotavirus activity.
- Ongoing surveillance is crucial to monitor trends in viral gastroenteritis post-vaccination.
Abstract:
Acute gastroenteritis harbours a significant global burden. Rotavirus is the primary cause of gastroenteritis in children worldwide. We aim to determine the predominant enteric viral pathogens detected in the post-rotavirus vaccine period (2016-2017) in our region in county Mayo (west of Ireland), United Kingdom. All children up to 3 years old, who presented to Mayo University Hospital with vomiting and diarrhoea, from November 18th, 2016, to November 18th, 2017, had their stools tested by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for viral pathogens. A total of 150 stool samples were tested, and 90 (60%) tested positive for a single viral pathogen. Rotavirus was the leading cause of gastroenteritis (37 patients, 24.6%; including 6 rotavirus vaccinated infants), followed by human adenovirus F (19 patients, 13%), norovirus (18 patients, 12%), sapovirus (9 patients, 6%) and astrovirus (7 patients, 5%). Rotavirus remained the predominant cause of gastroenteritis in the first year post-rotavirus vaccination, similar to the national Irish data from the pre vaccination years (July 2014-June 2015).
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