Rotavirus surveillance in europe, 2005-2008: web-enabled reporting and real-time analysis of genotyping and epidemiological data.

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND: The first European rotavirus surveillance network, EuroRotaNet, comprising 16 laboratories in 15 European countries, has been established. METHODS: Fecal samples from gastroenteritis cases positive for group A rotavirus antigen were collected from multiple European countries from 2005 to mid-2008 and were subjected to G and P genotyping. Epidemiological data collected included age, sex, geographical location, setting, dates of onset and sample collection, and clinical symptoms. RESULTS: A total of 8879 rotavirus-positive samples were characterized: 2129 cases were from the 2005-2006 season, 4030 from the 2006-2007 season, and 2720 from the ongoing 2007-2008 season. A total of 30 different G and P type combinations of strains circulated in the region from 2005 through 2008. Of these strains, 90% had genotypes commonly associated with human infections-G1P[8], G2P[4], G3P[8], G4P[8], and G9P[8]-and 1.37% represented potential zoonotic introductions. G1P[8] remained the most prevalent genotype in Europe as a whole, but the incidence of infection with G1P[8] rotavirus strains was <50% overall, and all 3 seasons were characterized by a significant diversity of cocirculating strains. The peak incidence of rotavirus infection occurred from January through May, and 81% of case patients were aged <2.5 years. Conclusions. Data gathered through EuroRotaNet will provide valuable background information on the rotavirus strain diversity in Europe before the introduction of rotavirus vaccines, and the network will provide a robust method for surveillance during vaccine implementation.

Author information

Author/s: Iturriza-Gómara, M (M); Dallman, T (T); Bányai, K (K); Böttiger, B (B); Buesa, J (J); Diedrich, S (S); Fiore, L (L); Johansen, K (K); Korsun, N (N); Kroneman, A (A); Lappalainen, M (M); László, B (B); Maunula, L (L); Matthinjnssens, J (J); Midgley, S (S); Mladenova, Z (Z); Poljsak-Prijatelj, M (M); Pothier, P (P); Ruggeri, F M (FM); Sanchez-Fauquier, A (A); Schreier, E (E); Steyer, A (A); Sidaraviciute, I (I); Tran, A N (AN); Usonis, V (V); Van Ranst, M (M); de Rougemont, A (A); Gray, J (J);

Affiliation: Enteric Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, London, United Kingdom. miren.iturriza(-atsign-)hpa.org.uk

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: The Journal of infectious diseases (J Infect Dis), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Nov; vol 200 Suppl 1 (issue ) : pp S215-21

Dates: Created 2009/10/13; Completed 2009/11/03;

PMID: 19821712, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/3/2009, IMS Date: )

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