Rotavirus infections with multiple emerging genotypes in Sri Lanka

Arch Virol. 2010;155(1):71-5. doi: 10.1007/s00705-009-0552-0. Epub 2009 Nov 17.

Abstract

Rotavirus diarrhea is an important cause of child mortality in developing countries, but studies on this diarrhea are scarce in Sri Lanka. A prospective study conducted in Sri Lanka on rotavirus infection among children in a hospital setting (n = 611) versus children residing in tsunami camps (n = 52) showed that prevalence of rotavirus infection was comparable, 21.9 and 20%, respectively. The hospital and camps were located in different districts. Analysis of the genotypes of 122 rotaviruses from the hospital and 12 from the camps indicated that G9P[8] was associated with 35 and 33%; G12P[8/nt] with 14.7 and 33%; G3P[8/4/nt] with 17 and 8% and G1P[8/4] with 6.5 and 16.7%. Rotaviruses with G2P[8/4/6] and G4P[8/4] were hospital-associated only, and some rotaviruses (9 and 8% from the hospital and the camps, respectively) were G- and P-nontypable. We conclude from the present study that multiple emerging genotypes were prevalent in Sri Lanka, and children in camps were at risk of developing diarrhea due to rotaviruses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diarrhea / virology*
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phylogeny
  • Prospective Studies
  • Rotavirus / classification
  • Rotavirus / genetics*
  • Rotavirus / isolation & purification*
  • Rotavirus / physiology
  • Rotavirus Infections / virology*
  • Sri Lanka
  • Viral Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • Viral Proteins