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Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
Published on: January 28, 2019
A major decrease in viral acute gastroenteritis in hospitalized Finnish children as rotavirus returns as the most
Oskari Pitkänen1, Jukka Markkula1, Maria Hemming-Harlo2
1Vaccine Research Centre, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33014 Tampere, Finland.
Insights
Rotavirus, norovirus, and sapovirus prevalence in children
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Virology
- Public health surveillance
Background:
- Rotavirus vaccination began in 2009.
- Previous surveillance data from 2006-2014 is available.
- This study assesses viral gastroenteritis in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and genotypes of rotavirus, norovirus, and sapovirus in children.
- To compare current findings with historical surveillance data.
- To evaluate the impact of rotavirus vaccination on viral gastroenteritis patterns.
Main Methods:
- Stool samples collected from children (<16 years) with acute gastroenteritis (2017-2018).
- Analysis using reverse transcription PCR and sequencing.
- Comparison with surveillance data from 2006-2014.
Main Results:
- Rotavirus detected in 32%, norovirus in 27%, and sapovirus in 6.3% of samples.
- Rotavirus G9P[8] and G12P[8] were most common genotypes.
- Norovirus GII.4 accounted for 96% of norovirus detections.
Conclusions:
- All-cause acute gastroenteritis prevalence decreased significantly post-vaccination.
- Rotavirus is again the leading cause, but at low levels.
- No major changes in norovirus and sapovirus genotypes observed.
Introduction:
This study was performed to assess the prevalence and circulating genotypes of rotavirus, norovirus, and sapovirus in children. The results were compared to those of previous surveillance studies covering the years 2006-2008, 2009-2011, and 2012-2014 with similar methodology and setting, encompassing the start of universal vaccination with RotaTeq in 2009.
Methods:
Stool samples were collected from children aged <16 years with acute gastroenteritis at Tampere University Hospital, Finland, from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018. The samples were analysed using reverse transcription PCR and positive amplicons were sequenced.
Results:
A total of 178 stool samples were collected from 214 children. Rotavirus was detected in 56 (32%) stool samples, norovirus in 48 (27%), and sapovirus in 11 (6.3%). Rotavirus G9P[8] and G12P[8] were the most detected genotypes in vaccinated and unvaccinated children. GII.4 comprised 96% of the norovirus detections.
Conclusions:
The prevalence of all-cause acute gastroenteritis in a hospital setting decreased by 51% compared to 2012-2014, and by 88% compared to 2006-2008 . Rotavirus returned as the most common cause of viral acute gastroenteritis in children, but the prevalence remains at a low level. No considerable changes were seen in the genotyping results of norovirus and sapovirus.
