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Rotavirus gastroenteritis in infants aged 0-6 months in Melbourne, Australia: implications for vaccination
J M Crawley1, R F Bishop, G L Barnes
1Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
Insights
Rotavirus is a significant cause of infant gastroenteritis in developed countries, affecting 15.1% of hospitalized infants under six months. Early rotavirus vaccination is crucial for prevention in this age group.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Gastroenteritis is a common cause of hospitalization in infants.
- Rotavirus is a well-known pathogen causing gastroenteritis globally.
- Data on rotavirus prevalence in very young infants in developed countries is essential for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of rotavirus infection in hospitalized infants under 6 months of age with gastroenteritis.
- To identify other enteric pathogens co-occurring with rotavirus.
- To inform rotavirus vaccination strategies in developed nations.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study conducted over 10 years (1980-1990) at a major children's hospital.
- Collection and testing of fecal specimens from 595 infants within 6 hours of admission.
- Comprehensive testing for viral, bacterial, and protozoal enteric pathogens.
Main Results:
- Rotavirus was identified in 15.1% of infants under 6 months with gastroenteritis.
- Adenoviruses (12.4%) and other pathogens (10.8%) were also detected.
- No pathogens were identified in 61.7% of cases, indicating a need for further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Rotavirus is a significant etiological agent in severe infant gastroenteritis requiring hospitalization in developed countries.
- Current rotavirus vaccination schedules, typically starting within the first few months of life, are appropriate for developed countries.
- The high proportion of cases with unidentified pathogens warrants further research into emerging or uncharacterized infectious agents.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of rotavirus infection in infants under 6 months of age who were admitted to hospital in a developed country for treatment of gastroenteritis. Between April 1980 and April 1990, 595 such infants were admitted to the infectious diseases ward at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. Faecal specimens were collected within 6 h of admission and were tested for viral, bacterial and protozoal enteric pathogens. Rotaviruses of several serotypes were found in specimens from 15.1% of the infants, adenoviruses in 12.4% and other pathogens in 10.8%. Rotaviruses were found equally often in infants in each 1 month age group. No pathogens were able to be identified in 61.7% of cases. These results show that rotavirus is an important pathogen in infants under 6 months of age who are admitted to hospital with gastroenteritis. Rotavirus vaccination will need to be given during the first 1-3 months of life in developed countries, as is recommended for developing countries. The large group in whom no pathogens were isolated requires further consideration.