| Author/Editor | Iturriza-Gomara, M; Dallman, T; Banyai, K; Poljšak-Prijatelj, M; Steyer, A | |
| Title | Rotavirus surveillance in europe, 2005-2008: web-enabled reporting and real-time analysis of genotyping and epidemiological data | |
| Type | članek | |
| Source | J Infect Dis | |
| Vol. and No. | Letnik 200, št. Suppl 1 | |
| Publication year | 2009 | |
| Volume | str. S215-21 | |
| Language | eng | |
| 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. | |
| Descriptors | ROTAVIRUS GASTROENTERITIS FECES ROTAVIRUS INFECTIONS GENOTYPE CHILD, PRESCHOOL EUROPE INFANT INFANT, NEWBORN SEASONS TIME FACTORS |