Childhood Rotavirus Infection Associated with Temperature and Particulate Matter 2.5 µm: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Environmental epidemiology
• Pediatric infectious diseases

Background:

• Rotavirus infection (RvI) is a leading cause of gastroenteritis in children globally.
• The impact of environmental factors like ambient temperature and particulate matter (PM2.5) on RvI incidence remains under-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between ambient temperature, PM2.5 exposure, and rotavirus infection incidence in children.
• To identify specific environmental conditions that increase the risk of RvI in pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

• Utilized insurance claims data from Taiwan (2006-2012) for children aged 9 years and younger.
• Employed Poisson regression analysis to assess the relationship between temperature, PM2.5 levels, and RvI incidence rates.
• Conducted stratified analyses based on various temperature and PM2.5 concentration ranges.

Main Results:

• Rotavirus infection incidence peaked in colder months (March) and was lowest in warmer months (July).
• Higher RvI incidence was observed at temperatures below 20°C, particularly when PM2.5 concentrations were between 31.5-41.9 μg/m³ (aRR=1.26).
• Increased temperatures (above 25°C) were associated with reduced RvI incidence, regardless of PM2.5 levels.

Conclusions:

• Seasonal patterns of RvI in children are linked to colder weather and increased indoor contact.
• Ambient temperature and PM2.5 exposure are significant environmental factors influencing rotavirus infection risk in children.
• Findings suggest PM2.5 may play a role, potentially exacerbated by temperature inversions, warranting further investigation.