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Seasonality of rotavirus infection in Ghana
G E Armah1, J A Mingle, A K Dodoo
1Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon.
Insights
Human rotavirus (HRV) infection in Ghanaian children shows a distinct seasonal pattern, peaking in cooler dry months. This study highlights HRV prevalence and distribution over a 12-month period.
Area of Science:
- * Virology and Epidemiology
- * Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Background:
- * Human rotavirus (HRV) is a leading cause of severe diarrheal disease in infants and young children globally.
- * Understanding the seasonal distribution of HRV is crucial for public health interventions and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate the prevalence and seasonal distribution of human rotavirus (HRV) infection in children in Accra, Ghana.
- * To characterize the HRV isolates, including age-specific incidence and RNA electropherotype.
Main Methods:
- * Collection of 561 stool samples (447 diarrheal, 114 control) from children over a 12-month period.
- * Detection of rotavirus using laboratory methods.
- * Analysis of seasonal trends, age distribution, and RNA electropherotypes of HRV isolates.
Main Results:
- * Rotavirus was detected in 15.0% of diarrheal stools and 7.0% of control samples, with seasonal variation.
- * Infection rates were higher during the cool, dry months, with peaks in February (26.2%) and September (24.5%).
- * The highest isolation rate (20.2%) was observed in children under 18 months. The long RNA electropherotype was predominant (83.6%), and Non-group A HRV was found in 14.9% of positive samples.
Conclusions:
- * Human rotavirus (HRV) exhibits significant seasonal transmission in Ghana, with a higher incidence during specific periods.
- * Young children, particularly those under 18 months, are most vulnerable to HRV infection.
- * Findings provide essential data for targeted public health strategies against rotavirus gastroenteritis in the region.
Abstract:
Human rotavirus (HRV) infection and its seasonal distribution was studied over a 12-month period in Ghana. A total of 561 stool samples, 447 diarrhoea stools and 114 non-diarrhoea stools (controls), were obtained from children attending three polyclinics in Accra. Rotavirus was detected during 10 of the 12 months and showed a seasonal trend. It was high during the relatively cool dry months and low during the wet season. Peaks of infection were in February (26.2%) and September (24.5%). HRV was detected in 67 of 447 of the diarrhoea stools (15.0%) and in eight of 114 controls (7.0%). The HRV isolation rate was highest (20.2%) in the under-18-months age group. The RNA electropherotype of the HRV isolates was predominantly (83.6%) of the long type. Non-group A HRV was detected in 14.9% of the HRV-positive samples.