Predominance of rotavirus G1[P8] genotype among under-five children with gastroenteritis in Mwanza, Tanzania

J Trop Pediatr. 2014 Oct;60(5):393-6. doi: 10.1093/tropej/fmu028. Epub 2014 May 24.

Abstract

We analyzed stool samples from underfives with gastroenteritis for rotavirus infection between January 2010 and June 2011. A total of 393 stool specimens were examined for rotavirus infection using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hundred selected positive specimens were genotyped using multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Out of 393 underfives, 194 (49.4%) had rotavirus infection, with 96.9% of infected underfives being <2 years. Underfives infected with rotavirus had prolonged hospital stay than those without rotavirus infection (P = 0.0001). G1 was the most predominant G type (59%) followed by G8 (13%) while P[8] was the most predominant P type (25%). In single-type infection, common G-P combinations were G1P[8] (24%) and G1P[6] (17%). Common mixed infections were G1/G8 (16%) and P4/P8 (13%). G1 genotype is common among underfives with gastroenteritis in Mwanza. Diversity of genotypes causing gastroenteritis in Mwanza necessitates a continuous surveillance after the introduction of RotaRix® vaccine.

Keywords: Tanzania; genotypes; rotavirus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Feces / virology
  • Female
  • Gastroenteritis / epidemiology*
  • Gastroenteritis / virology
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Prospective Studies
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • Rotavirus / classification*
  • Rotavirus / genetics*
  • Rotavirus / isolation & purification
  • Rotavirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Rotavirus Infections / genetics*
  • Rotavirus Infections / virology*
  • Tanzania / epidemiology

Substances

  • RNA, Viral