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Published on: January 28, 2019
Australian Rotavirus Surveillance Program: Annual Report, 2021
Susie Roczo-Farkas1, Sarah Thomas1, Nada Bogdanovic-Sakran1
1Enteric Diseases, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria.
Abstract:
This report from the Australian Rotavirus Surveillance Program describes the circulating rotavirus genotypes identified in children and adults during the period 1 January to 31 December 2021. During this period, 521 faecal specimens had been referred for rotavirus G- and P- genotype analysis, of which 474 were confirmed as rotavirus positive. Of these, 336/474 were wildtype rotavirus strains and 138/474 were identified as vaccine-like. Of the 336 wildtype samples, 87.5% (n = 294/336) were identified as G8P[8], and were detected in five of the six jurisdictions that provided samples for the reporting period. Two rotavirus outbreaks, located in the Northern Territory and Western Australia, were also attributed to G8P[8]. As with the 2020 reporting period, a low number of stool samples were received for this reporting period as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, an unexpectedly high proportion of samples with unusual genotypes were identified which were potentially zoonotic in nature, including feline G3, P[9], bovine-like G8, P[14], and porcine-like G4, G6, P[1], and P[6]. Ongoing rotavirus surveillance is crucial to identify changes in genotypic patterns and to provide diagnostic laboratories with quality assurance by reporting incidences of wildtype, vaccine-like, or false positive rotavirus results.
Insights
The Australian Rotavirus Surveillance Program identified G8P[8] as the dominant wildtype rotavirus strain in 2021. Unusual, potentially zoonotic rotavirus genotypes were also detected, highlighting the need for ongoing surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrheal disease in infants and young children globally.
- Rotavirus vaccines have been implemented worldwide, necessitating ongoing surveillance of circulating strains.
- The Australian Rotavirus Surveillance Program monitors rotavirus genotypes to understand epidemiology and vaccine effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the rotavirus G- and P- genotypes circulating in Australia from January 1 to December 31, 2021.
- To identify wildtype, vaccine-like, and unusual rotavirus strains.
- To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sample submission rates.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 521 faecal specimens referred for rotavirus G- and P- genotype analysis.
- Confirmation of rotavirus positivity and subsequent genotyping of positive samples.
- Comparison of identified genotypes with known wildtype and vaccine strains.
Main Results:
- A total of 474 rotavirus-positive specimens were identified.
- Wildtype rotavirus strains accounted for 336/474 cases, with G8P[8] being the predominant genotype (87.5%).
- Unusual and potentially zoonotic genotypes, including feline, bovine-like, and porcine-like strains, were detected.
Conclusions:
- G8P[8] was the most prevalent wildtype rotavirus genotype in Australia during 2021.
- The detection of unusual zoonotic genotypes underscores the importance of continuous rotavirus surveillance.
- Surveillance provides crucial data for diagnostic laboratories and public health interventions.
