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Published on: January 28, 2019
Rotavirus genotype dynamics in Pakistan: G9 and G12 emerging as dominant strains in vaccinated children (2019)
Asma Sadiq1, Jadoon Khan2, Abdul Basit1
1Department of Microbiology, University of Jhang, Jhang, Pakistan.
Insights
Rotavirus A (RVA) molecular characterization in vaccinated Pakistani children revealed G9P[8] as the most common genotype. This highlights the need for ongoing surveillance to track RVA strains and improve vaccine effectiveness against childhood gastroenteritis.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Rotavirus A (RVA) is a major cause of severe gastroenteritis in children globally.
- Vaccination is a key strategy to mitigate RVA-related morbidity and mortality.
- Understanding circulating RVA genotypes is crucial for vaccine efficacy and public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform molecular characterization of Rotavirus A genotypes in vaccinated children in Pakistan.
- To determine the prevalence and distribution of RVA genotypes in children under five years of age.
- To analyze the association of RVA gastroenteritis with age groups and dehydration.
Main Methods:
- Collection of 510 stool samples from children aged 0-5 years with acute gastroenteritis.
- Detection of RVA antigen using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).
- G/P genotyping of RVA-positive samples using Multiplex semi-nested reverse transcriptase PCR.
Main Results:
- Rotavirus A was detected in 130 samples (25.4% prevalence).
- The most prevalent genotype was G9P[8] (20%), followed by G12P[6] (17%) and G3P[8] (14%).
- RVA gastroenteritis showed a significant association with younger age groups (0-6 months) and dehydration.
Conclusions:
- Continuous surveillance and genomic analysis of RVA genotypes are essential in vaccinated populations.
- The study provides insights into evolving RVA genotype circulation in Pakistan.
- Findings underscore the need for improved vaccine coverage and effectiveness to reduce RVA disease burden.
Abstract:
Rotavirus A (RVA) is a leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in children worldwide, and vaccination has become a pivotal strategy to reduce the associated morbidity and mortality. This study presents a molecular characterization of RVA genotypes circulating among vaccinated children in Pakistan during the year 2019. A total of 510 stool samples were collected from children of up to five years of age presenting with acute gastroenteritis symptoms in Rawalpindi, Islamabad regions of Pakistan. The RVA antigen was detected using ELISA on these samples. RVA G/P genotyping was performed on ELISA positive samples using Multiplex semi-nested reverse transcriptase PCR. RVA was found in 130 fecal samples, with an overall prevalence of 25.4 %. G9P[8] (20 %) is the most prevalent genotype, followed by G12P[6] (17 %), G3P[8] (14 %), G1P[8] (12 %), G2P[4] (10 %), G12P[8] (7 %), G9P[6] (7 %), G3P[6] (6 %), G3P[4] (4 %) and G1P[6] (3 %) respectively. There is a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) found in the group age (in months) of RVA gastroenteritis cases as detected by RT-PCR. The highest number of positive cases was found in the age range from 0 to 6 months, followed by 7-12 months, 13-24 months, and 25-60 months, respectively. Dehydration is statistically significantly associated (p˂ 0.05) in RVA gastroenteritis cases compared to those who tested negative. This study emphasizes the significance of maintaining a continuous surveillance system and conducting genomic analysis of RVA genotypes in children upto the age of 5 years. This is essential for tracking the circulation of RVA genotypes. The results from this research enhance our comprehension of how RVA genotypes are changing over time in Pakistan, underscoring the ongoing necessity for improving vaccine coverage and effectiveness. This, in turn, can help reduce the impact of RVA-related illnesses in children.
