Publication: Trends of Rotavirus in Nepal
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Date
2011
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Rotavirus gastroenteritis is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in infants
and young children worldwide. Safe and effective rotavirus vaccine is needed to
have significant impact on severe rotavirus gastroenteritis. Currently, two live oral
rotavirus vaccines have been licensed in many countries. Knowledge on distribution
of human rotavirus of G and P types are essential before rotavirus vaccines are
introduced in the target populations.
Objective
To observe the trends of rotavirus strains in children below five years of age, during
the years, 2003-2005 in Nepal.
Methods
Stool specimen collected from children with acute diarrhea who were referred to
observation unit or hospitalized in Kanti Children’s Hospital between 2003 and 2005
were examined. Meteorological data was obtained from Ministry of Environment,
Nepal to examine the possibility on the impact of weather on rotavirus infection.
Results
Of 1250 stool specimens, 271(22%) were positive for rotavirus by Rotaclone ELISA.
G1 was the most common serotype in the first year of study, and G2 in the following
year. G12 serotype emerged and remained predominant in two consecutive years.
In addition, G9 and G3 emerged in the second year of the study. Children less than
three years of age were commonly affected. The records reveal that rotavirus
infection is related to the climate, and is commonly seen in the dry season, peaking
in January.
Conclusions
Continued surveillance of different regions is needed to monitor the trend of
rotavirus strains and to establish rotavirus disease burden, which will help policy
makers to make a decision in introducing rotavirus vaccine in Nepal.
KEY WORD
Nepal, rotavirus, serotype
Description
Pandey BD, Pun SB
Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, Teku, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Everest International Clinic and Research Center, Kathmandu, Nepal