Abstract
IntroductionRotavirus is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years worldwide. This study aimed to characterize the circulating genotypes of rotavirus and to determine risk factors of rotavirus infection in North Eastern, Kenya before the introduction of rotavirus vaccines.Methodswe conducted a cross sectional study among children < 5 years old hospitalized for acute gastroenteritis at the study hospital. Rotavirus was detected in stool specimens and further characterized using PAGE and RT-PCR. Socio-demographic and risk factor information was collected using a standard questionnaire.Resultswe enrolled 237 children into the study hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis. Of these, 41 (17%) tested positive for group A rotavirus in stool specimens. Age < 2 years, unboiled tap water, underweight and low birth weight were identified as independent risk factors of rotavirus infection. Majority 8 (57%) of the detected rotavirus RNA profiles were long electropherotypes. G3, G9 and P4 were the predominant genotypes identified.ConclusionRotavirus is an important aetiology of acute gastroenteritis among children under five years in this region. Risk factors common in other regions and rotavirus vaccine preventable genotypes are responsible for infection. We recommend the introduction of rotavirus vaccines, coupled with good infant nutrition, safe water supply and maternal hygienic practices during infant feeding.
Highlights
Rotavirus is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years worldwide
The objectives of this study were to determine the risk factors associated with rotavirus infection and to describe the circulating genotypes of rotavirus among children under five years hospitalized for acute gastroenteritis in Garissa, Kenya before the introduction of rotavirus vaccines with an aim to recommend an appropriate prevention and control measures for rotavirus infection and to guide policy decision makers on the choice of vaccination strategy to implement
Rotavirus is an important cause of acute gastroenteritis among children under five years hospitalized for diarrhoeal disease occurring with a prevalence of 17%
Summary
Rotavirus is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years worldwide. Conclusion: Rotavirus is an important aetiology of acute gastroenteritis among children under five years in this region. Risk factors common in other regions and rotavirus vaccine preventable genotypes are responsible for infection. In Kenya, rotavirus infection causes 19% of hospitalizations and 16% of clinic visits for diarrhea among children < 5 years of age, and results in 4471 deaths, 8781 hospitalizations, and 1,443,883 clinic visits yearly [5]. Extensive phase III trials for these vaccines showed high efficacy in protecting children against rotavirus disease of any severity, for strains with the same serotypes as contained in the respective vaccine, and there was a significant degree of cross-reactivity against many genotypes not contained in the vaccines [9]. To assess the potential impact of these vaccines in subSaharan Africa, where rotavirus mortality is high, knowledge of prevalent types is essential because an effective rotavirus vaccine is needed to protect against prevailing serotypes in the community [12]
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