Genotypic characterization of group A rotavirus in children < 5 years of age at tertiary care hospital in North India

Abstract

PurposeThis study was undertaken to find out the positivity of rotavirus associated diarrhoea in children <5 years of age in Meerut district and to determine the genomic diversity of the circulating rotavirus strains in this geographical area. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital for a period of one year. A total of 240 stool samples were collected from children suffering from acute diarrhoea and subjected for rotavirus antigen detection by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). The EIA-positive samples were further genotyped to determine the G and P types using semi nested multiplex reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Demographic and clinical parameters were recorded in a pre-designed proforma. ResultsThe rotavirus antigen positivity rate was 14.58% in Meerut district. There was male predominance and highest positivity rate was seen in children 13–24 months of age, in winter months and majority of cases belonged to moderate degree of severity. A total of 64% children in the study area were vaccinated and positivity was low in the vaccine group. G9P[4] was the predominant genotype followed by G3P[8]. Uncommon strains G12P[6] and G12P[8] were also reported as circulating genotypes in this study. ConclusionsThe positivity rate of rotavirus associated diarrhoea has reduced in Meerut district post vaccination. G9P[4] was the most common circulating RV genotype in Meerut. Our study highlights the importance of including the emerging rotavirus strains in future multivalent RV vaccines to make the vaccines regionally more specific.