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Molecular epidemiology of human rotavirus
Abstract:
The epidemiology of human rotavirus (HRV) in north-east Scotland was investigated between 1982 and 1984. During this period 708 HRV infections were recorded. The majority (83%) of the infections were in children less than 5 years of age although some were recorded in adults. The peak incidence occurred in the winter months although a high number of HRV infections was reported during the summer of 1983. A total of 840 faecal specimens containing rotavirus were screened for HRV genome RNA by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Seven hundred (83%) specimens gave RNA profiles suitable for establishing the HRV electrophoretype. Twenty-five different electrophoretypes were identified, of which 21 had 'long' RNA profiles and four had 'short' RNA profiles. There was extensive co-circulation of distinct electrophoretypes although during any one epidemic period the majority of viruses belonged to a relatively small number of types. Comparison of viruses collected from hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients showed no differences in electrophoretype distribution. HRV was identified in faecal specimens from a wide age group and no correlation was demonstrated between age of patient and electrophoretype of the infecting virus.
Insights
Human rotavirus (HRV) infections primarily affected young children in Scotland between 1982-1984. Twenty-five distinct HRV electrophoretypes circulated, with no age-related correlation observed.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Human rotavirus (HRV) is a significant cause of gastroenteritis, particularly in young children.
- Understanding the genetic diversity and epidemiological patterns of HRV is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology and genetic diversity of human rotavirus (HRV) in north-east Scotland from 1982 to 1984.
- To characterize HRV strains based on their RNA electrophoretypes.
Main Methods:
- Collection and analysis of 708 human rotavirus (HRV) infections.
- Screening of 840 faecal specimens for HRV genome RNA using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
- Identification and classification of HRV electrophoretypes based on RNA profiles.
Main Results:
- A total of 708 HRV infections were recorded, predominantly in children under 5 years old.
- Twenty-five distinct HRV electrophoretypes were identified, with 21 exhibiting 'long' and 4 'short' RNA profiles.
- Extensive co-circulation of different electrophoretypes was observed, with no significant differences in distribution between hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients or correlation with patient age.
Conclusions:
- Human rotavirus (HRV) circulated widely in north-east Scotland during 1982-1984, with a peak incidence in winter.
- A diverse range of HRV electrophoretypes were present, indicating genetic variability.
- No specific association was found between HRV electrophoretype and patient age or hospitalization status.