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Published on: January 28, 2019
Characterization of rotavirus strains isolated from children with acute gastroenteritis in Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Munazza Fatima1, Dilshad A Khan2, Deeba Amraiz1
1Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Insights
Rotavirus is a major cause of childhood diarrhea in Pakistan. This study identified common rotavirus strains, G1P[8] being most prevalent, to aid in developing prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Diarrhea is a primary cause of child illness and death globally, especially in developing nations.
- Rotavirus is identified as the main pathogen responsible for diarrheal diseases in children.
- Understanding rotavirus strain diversity is crucial for effective disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the genotypic distribution of prevalent rotavirus strains in children with acute gastroenteritis in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
- To provide insights into the burden of rotavirus infections and its circulating strains.
Main Methods:
- Stool samples were collected from 284 children (≤5 years) with acute gastroenteritis from April 2017 to March 2018.
- Rotavirus was detected using enzyme immunoassay.
- VP7 and VP4 gene segments were amplified via reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and genotyped using multiplex PCR.
Main Results:
- Rotavirus was detected in 71 out of 284 children (25%), with a higher prevalence in females (54%).
- Infection predominantly affected children ≤2 years old, peaking between 6-12 months.
- Rotavirus infections occurred year-round, with a notable increase during winter.
- The most common rotavirus subtypes were G1P[8], followed by G2P[4], G3P[8], and G4P[6].
Conclusions:
- The study highlights the significant burden of rotavirus gastroenteritis in young children in Rawalpindi.
- The identified prevalent rotavirus genotypes provide essential data for vaccine efficacy and public health interventions.
- This information is vital for developing targeted strategies to control and prevent childhood diarrheal diseases.
Abstract:
Diarrhea is the leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality particularly in developing countries and rotavirus has been identified as the major pathogen associated with diarrheal infections. This study was conducted to detect genotypic distribution of predominant rotavirus strains circulating in children suffering from acute gastroenteritis in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Stool specimens were collected from children ≤5 years of age, visiting Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, with signs and symptoms of acute gastroenteritis. Two hundred and eighty-four specimens were collected during the period from April 2017 to March 2018. Enzyme immunoassay was performed for detection of rotavirus and reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) was carried out for amplification of VP7 and VP4 gene segments followed by multiplex PCR using genotype-specific primers. Out of 284 children, 71 were found rotavirus positive and among them, 54% were females and 46% males. Our findings showed 92% of infection among children ≤2 years of age, while, the peak age of rotavirus incidence was found to be 6-12 months. Although, rotavirus infection was observed throughout the year but frequency increased in winter. Subtype G1P[8] was more prevalent followed by G2P[4], G3P[8], and G4P[6] subtypes. The results of this study provide insight into the disease burden as well as information on rotavirus diversity which will be useful to develop future strategies to control and prevent diarrheal infections among children.
