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Published on: January 28, 2019
Diversity of Rotavirus Strains among Children with Acute Diarrhea in Karachi, Pakistan
Nain Tarra Bukhari1, Gulnaz Parveen2, Pir Asmat Ali3
1Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Women University, Swabi, Pakistan.
Insights
Rotavirus is a common cause of infectious diarrhea and childhood deaths. This study found over 6% of acute diarrhea cases positive for Rotavirus, identifying diverse circulating strains.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Rotavirus is a leading cause of infectious diarrhea and mortality in children under five, particularly in developing nations.
- Acute watery diarrhea poses a significant health burden, necessitating identification of causative agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the etiologic agents responsible for acute watery diarrhea.
- To investigate the prevalence and genotypes of Rotavirus in affected children.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 1465 stool samples from patients presenting with acute diarrhea.
- Detection of Rotavirus using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).
- Genotyping of detected Rotavirus strains via Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR).
Main Results:
- Over 6% of analyzed stool samples tested positive for Rotavirus.
- Common Rotavirus genotypes identified include G2P4, G2P6, G3P4, G8P4, G8P6, G9P4, and G10P4.
- Demographic data on diarrhea episodes, vomiting, and fever were collected.
Conclusions:
- Rotavirus is a significant pathogen in acute diarrhea cases.
- Understanding Rotavirus strain diversity is crucial for effective patient management and preventing malnutrition and stunting.
- Identifying emerging strains can aid in reducing antimicrobial resistance and mortality in young children.
Abstract:
One of the common viral pathogens in infectious diarrhea is Rotavirus; in developing countries, it is a primary cause of deaths in children less than five years of age. This study was planned to find out the etiologic agents of acute watery diarrhea. In this study, 1465 stool samples were analyzed with the symptoms of acute diarrhea. Demographic data analysis showed no. of episodes of diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. All samples were checked by ELISA technique for the presence of Rotavirus circulating strains. More than 6% patients were found to be positive with Rotavirus. Common Rotavirus genotypes, including G2P4, G2P6, G3P4, G8P4, G8P6, G9P4, and G10P4, were detected in patients through RT-PCR. This study concluded that detection of rotavirus strain diversity and management of diarrheal patients may identify assortment of emerging strains and reduce emergence of antimicrobial resistance and repeated episodes of diarrhea, which may also help to avoid and manage the essential nutrients lost leading to malnutrition and stunted growth, as well as to reduce high mortality rate in young children less than five years.
