Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Rotavirus”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 667 records · Page 37Linked to original sources

Scaling properties and symmetrical patterns in the epidemiology of rotavirus infection.

The rich epidemiological database of the incidence of rotavirus, as a cause of severe diarrhoea in young children, coupled with knowledge of the natural history of the infection, can make this virus a paradigm for studies of epidemic dynamics. The cyclic recurrence of childhood rotavirus epidemics in unvaccinated populations provides one of the best documented phenomena in population dynamics. This paper makes use of epidemiological data on rotavirus infection in young children admitted to hospital in Melbourne, Australia from 1977 to 2000. Several mathematical methods were used to characterize the overall dynamics of rotavirus infections as a whole and individually as serotypes G1, G2, G3, G4 and G9. These mathematical methods are as follows: seasonal autoregressive integrated moving-average (SARIMA) models, power spectral density (PSD), higher-order spectral analysis (HOSA) (bispectrum estimation and quadratic phase coupling (QPC)), detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA), wavelet analysis (WA) and a surrogate data analysis technique. Each of these techniques revealed different dynamic aspects of rotavirus epidemiology. In particular, we confirm the existence of an annual, biannual and a quinquennial period but additionally we found other embedded cycles (e.g. ca. 3 years). There seems to be an overall unique geometric and dynamic structure of the data despite the apparent changes in the dynamics of the last years. The inherent dynamics seems to be conserved regardless of the emergence of new serotypes, the re-emergence of old serotypes or the transient disappearance of a particular serotype. More importantly, the dynamics of all serotypes is multiple synchronized so that they behave as a single entity at the epidemic level. Overall, the whole dynamics follow a scale-free power-law fractal scaling behaviour. We found that there are three different scaling regions in the time-series, suggesting that processes influencing the epidemic dynamics of rotavirus over less than 12 months differ from those that operate between 1 and ca. 3 years, as well as those between 3 and ca. 5 years. To discard the possibility that the observed patterns could be due to artefacts, we applied a surrogate data analysis technique which enabled us to discern if only random components or linear features of the incidence of rotavirus contribute to its dynamics. The global dynamics of the epidemic is portrayed by wavelet-based incidence analysis. The resulting wavelet transform of the incidence of rotavirus crisply reveals a repeating pattern over time that looks similar on many scales (a property called self-similarity). Both the self-similar behaviour and the absence of a single characteristic scale of the power-law fractal-like scaling of the incidence of rotavirus infection imply that there is not a universal inherently more virulent serotype to which severe gastroenteritis can uniquely be ascribed.

Australia↗

Rotavirus double-stranded RNA induces apoptosis and diminishes wound repair in rat intestinal epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) recognizes double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Rotaviruses, having a dsRNA genome, infect intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) and cause acute gastroenteritis in young children. The aim of the present study was to clarify the pathophysiological function of rotavirus dsRNA in IEC. METHODS: Expression of TLR3 mRNA or protein in IEC cell lines (IEC-6, HT-29, Caco-2) was assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot analysis or immunohistochemistry. Induction of cytokines (TNF-alpha, interferon-beta, interleukin-6) mRNA and activation of signal proteins (ERK1/2 MAPK and IkappaB-alpha) in IEC after stimulation with rotavirus dsRNA were assessed by RT-PCR or Western blot analysis. IEC-6 cells were wounded and cell migration into wound areas after stimulation with rotavirus dsRNA (1-25 microg/mL) was assessed. Induction of apoptosis after stimulation with rotavirus dsRNA was also assessed. RESULTS: Expression of TLR3 mRNA and TLR3 protein was detected in IEC. Expression of TLR3 mRNA in IEC-6 tended to be up-regulated by exposure to IFN-gamma. Induction of cytokine mRNA and activation of the signal proteins were detected after stimulation with rotavirus dsRNA. Apoptosis was induced and epithelial migration into the wound area was dose-dependently diminished (44.1-94.4%, P < 0.01) by exposure to rotavirus dsRNA. Diminishment of wound repair was suppressed by anti-TLR3 antibody or caspase inhibitor. CONCLUSION: Rotavirus dsRNA induces severe apoptosis and diminishes wound repair in IEC through TLR3, which might be involved in the pathogenesis of rotavirus-induced enteritis.

Animals↗

Clinical features in hospitalised children with acute gastroenteritis. Does the rotavirus syndrome exist?

In a prospective study of children referred to hospital, rotavirus was identified in 37% of 128 patients with acute gastroenteritis. As compared with patients with non-rotavirus gastroenteritis, those with rotavirus gastroenteritis showed the following clinical characteristics: Age between 5 months and 4 years. Occurrence of the rotavirus infection almost exclusively during the winter season. Severe vomiting. Absence of gross blood in the stools. However, these signs did not form a safe basis for the clinical diagnosis of rotavirus gastroenteritis. One or more signs of upper respiratory illness were observed in 36% of the patients with rotavirus gastroenteritis and in 35% of those with non-rotavirus gastroenteritis. Consequently, the existence of a rotavirus syndrome is questioned. It is argued that upper respiratory illnesses in patients with rotavirus gastroenteritis could be due to a separate infection occurring coincidentally.

Acute Disease↗

Response of mice to rotaviruses of bovine or primate origin assessed by radioimmunoassay, radioimmunoprecipitation, and plaque reduction neutralization.

Sera from (i) gnotobiotic BALB/c, CD-1, and CFW mice and (ii) conventional BALB/c mice were evaluated by radioimmunoassay, radioimmunoprecipitation, and plaque reduction neutralization, using the Wa, SA-11, and WC-3 (bovine) strains of rotavirus as the detecting antigens. The gnotobiotic mice had no antirotavirus antibody detectable by radioimmunoprecipitation and no neutralizing antibody at a dilution of 1:50 by plaque reduction neutralization. All sera from the conventional mice had rotavirus-specific antibodies detected by radioimmunoassay and by radioimmunoprecipitation at serum dilutions of 1:50 and 1:10,000, respectively. The antibodies were directed against viral proteins p116, p94, p88, and p84 of all three viruses, but had no neutralizing activity against heterologous rotaviruses at a dilution of 1:50. Conventional seropositive mice were parenterally immunized with the Wa, SA-11, or WC-3 strain of rotavirus. An approximate 100-fold increase in rotavirus-specific antibodies was detected by radioimmunoassay, and greater than 20-fold selective neutralization of the immunizing strain of virus was observed. Sera from the mice immunized with Wa virus had antibodies directed against inner and outer capsid proteins of all three rotaviruses. The mouse can be a useful model for studying the immune response to heterologous rotavirus infection; preexisting antibodies presumably directed towards murine rotavirus do not prevent the development of a type-specific immune response to a nonmurine rotavirus.

Animals↗

Acute diarrhea and rotavirus infection in newborn babies and children in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from June 1978 to June 1979.

A longitudinal study of acute diarrhea in children in Yogyakarta, Indonesia (June 1978 to June 1979), showed little variation throughout most months of the year in numbers of children admitted to hospital and in numbers infected with rotaviruses. Both decreased during November and December coincidentally with seasonal change from dry to wet conditions. Rotavirus particles were identified by electron microscopy in fecal specimens from 126 of 334 (38%) infants and children with acute diarrhea. Nosocomial rotavirus infections occurred in 11% of control children admitted to hospital for other reasons. Socioeconomic level and preexisting nutritional status did not influence the incidence of rotavirus excretion. Rotavirus infections were most common in children aged 6 to 24 months. There was a low incidence of infection in infants less than 6 months old. Rotavirus infection was seldom observed in newborn babies delivered in an urban hospital nursery, in a rural health center, or at home. One of 72 newborn babies with diarrhea excreted rotavirus. One of 53 healthy newborn babies excreted rotavirus. It is concluded that, in Indonesia, rotavirus infection is a major cause of childhood diarrhea throughout the year, but is an uncommon cause of diarrhea in newborn babies.

Age Factors↗

Human rotavirus detection by agglutination of antibody-coated erythrocytes.

We sensitized sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) with antibodies against human rotavirus strain Wa (SRBC-antiWa) and antibodies against calf rotavirus strain NCDV (SRBC-antiNCDV). These were readily agglutinated in the presence of homologous antigens, i.e., human rotavirus and calf rotavirus. By the hemagglutination of SRBC-antiWa and SRBC-antiNCDV (reverse passive hemagglutination [RPHA]), titration of rotavirus in extracts from feces of children suffering from diarrhea (61 specimens) was carried out. We found that the ratio of titers determined with SRBC-antiWa and SRBC-antiNCDV varied remarkably from specimen to specimen. This indicated that the antigenic determinants on human rotavirus in patients feces cross-react with antibodies against NCDV to varying extents. To express the cross-reactivity of human rotavirus with antibodies to NCDV, we propose a Wa/NCDV rotavirus index which can be calculated from the RPHA titer with SRBC-antiWa and SRBC-antiNCDV as follows: Wa/NCDV rotavirus index = (antiWa-RPHA titer of specimen/antiWa-RPHA titer of NCDV)/(antiNCDV-RPHA titer of specimen/antiNCDV-RPHA titer of NCDV).

Antibodies, Viral↗

Analysis by RNA-RNA hybridization assay of intertypic rotaviruses suggests that gene reassortment occurs in vivo.

Antigenic characterization of human and animal rotaviruses by the plaque reduction neutralization assay has shown the existence of naturally occurring intertypes. Antiserum to M37, a rotavirus strain isolated from an asymptomatic neonate, neutralizes both Wa and ST3 strains, which are classified as serotype 1 and serotype 4 human rotaviruses, respectively. Likewise, antiserum to SB-1A, a porcine rotavirus, neutralizes rotavirus strains belonging to serotype 4 or 5. Plaque reduction neutralization assay of reassortant rotaviruses produced in vitro from these intertypes indicates that these viruses share one antigenically related outer capsid protein, VP3, with one serotype and another antigenically related outer capsid protein, VP7, with the other serotype. Thus, M37 is related to ST3 on the basis of its fourth-gene product, VP3, and to Wa on the basis of its ninth-gene product, VP7, whereas SB-1A is related to Gottfried (serotype 4 porcine rotavirus) via VP7 and to OSU (serotype 5 porcine rotavirus) via VP3. RNA-RNA hybridization studies revealed a high degree of homology between the VP3 or VP7 gene segments responsible for shared serotype specificity. Thus, the fourth gene segments of M37 and ST3 were highly homologous, while M37 and Wa had homology between their ninth gene segments. SB-1A and Gottfried were homologous not only with respect to the ninth gene but had complete homology in all other genes except the fourth gene. The fourth gene of SB-1A was highly homologous with the fourth gene of OSU. These observations suggested that SB-1A was a naturally occurring reassortant between Gottfried-like and OSU-like porcine rotavirus strains. Our observations also suggested that intertypes may result from genetic reassortment in nature.

Animals↗

Development of a biotin-streptavidin-enhanced enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay which uses monoclonal antibodies for detection of group C rotaviruses.

A biotin-streptavidin-enhanced enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) which uses monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) for the detection of group C rotaviruses was developed. An assay in which plates were coated with three pooled MAbs and biotinylated polyclonal immunoglobulin G (IgG) (polyclonal antibody [PAb]) was used as the detector (MAb capture-PAb detector) was found to be the most sensitive and specific of the assays when it was compared with assays in which plates were coated with polyclonal antiserum and detection was done with either biotinylated polyclonal antiserum (PAb capture-PAb detector) or biotinylated pooled MAbs (PAb capture-MAb detector). The MAb capture-PAb detector ELISA detected 83% of samples confirmed to be positive for group C rotaviruses, whereas the PAb capture-PAb detector assay detected 63% of positive samples and the PAb capture-MAb detector assay detected 65% of positive samples. All three procedures detected both of the bovine and the two human group C rotaviruses, but none of the three procedures detected fecal samples containing group A and B rotaviruses or fecal samples negative for group C rotaviruses used in this study. The sensitivity of the MAb capture-PAb detector ELISA was determined by serially diluting fecal group C rotaviruses; antigens were detected in maximal positive dilution ranges of 1:1,000 to 1:3,000 for the samples tested. On the basis of the cell culture immunofluorescence assay infectivity titer of semipurified cell culture-passaged Cowden group C rotavirus, the sensitivity of the MAb capture-PAb detection ELISA for detection of homologous group C rotavirus was 53 fluorescent focus units per ml. Epitope mapping by use of the biotinylated MAbs in competition assay suggested that our MAbs may bind to three different but overlapping epitopes. These results suggest that the MAb capture-PAb detector ELISA can be used to study the epidemiology of group C rotaviruses in humans and animals.

Animals↗

NS35 and not vp7 is the soluble rotavirus protein which binds to target cells.

Recent studies using radiolabeled rotavirus lysates have demonstrated a 35-kilodalton viral protein that binds specifically to the surface of MA104 cells (N. Fukuhara, O. Yoshie, S. Kitakoa, and T. Konno, J. Virol. 62:2209-2218, 1988; M. Sabara, J. Gilchrist, G.R. Hudson, and L.A. Babiuk, J. Virol. 53:58-66, 1985). The binding protein was identified as vp7, an outer capsid glycoprotein and the product of rotavirus gene 9. These studies concluded that vp7 mediated viral attachment to MA104 cells and that the binding of a soluble viral protein to a cell monolayer mirrored the attachment of infectious rotavirus to permissive tissue culture cells. In the process of determining which viral protein adheres to the in vivo target cell in rotavirus infection, the mammalian enterocyte, we found that a similar 35-kilodalton rhesus rotavirus (RRV) protein bound to both MA104 cells and murine enterocytes. However, further analysis of this protein by immunoprecipitation, inhibition of glycosylation, and partial proteolysis showed that it was not the RRV gene 9 product, vp7, but the gene 8 product, NS35. Similar results were obtained by using porcine rotavirus (OSU) and bovine rotavirus (NCDV) strains. Binding studies using the in vitro-expressed products of RRV genes 8 and 9 confirmed these results. Since double-shelled virions inhibited the binding of NS35 to cells, we looked for the presence of this protein in preparations of purified virus. Examination of density gradient-purified virus preparations revealed biochemical and immunological evidence that NS35 copurifies in small amounts with double-shelled virions. Thus, these studies clearly demonstrated that when rotavirus proteins are prepared in a soluble form from infected cells, NS35, and not vp7, binds to the surfaces of MA104 cells and murine enterocytes. The observations do not confirm previous experimental results which supported the hypothesis that vp7 was the viral attachment protein. They are consistent with but do not prove the hypothesis that NS35 functions as the rotavirus attachment protein.

Adsorption↗

Serum-neutralizing antibody to VP4 and VP7 proteins in infants following vaccination with WC3 bovine rotavirus.

Serum specimens from infants 2 to 12 months old vaccinated with the WC3 bovine rotavirus were analyzed to determine the relative concentrations of neutralizing antibody to the VP4 and VP7 proteins of the vaccine virus. To do this, reassortant rotaviruses that contained the WC3 genome segment for only one of these two neutralization proteins were made. The segment for the other neutralization protein in these reassortants was from heterotypic rotaviruses that were serotypically distinct from WC3. Sera were examined from 31 infants who had no evidence of a previous rotavirus infection and the highest postvaccination WC3-neutralizing antibody titers (i.e., 160 to 600) of the 103 subjects administered the vaccine. A reassortant (3/17) that contained both neutralization proteins from the heterotypic rotaviruses, i.e., EDIM (EW strain of mouse rotavirus) VP7 and rhesus rotavirus VP4, was not neutralized by these sera (geometric mean titer [GMT], less than 20). A reassortant (E19) that contained EDIM VP7 and WC3 VP4 was also very poorly neutralized by these antisera (GMT = 20). In contrast, antibody titers to a reassortant (R20) that contained WC3 VP7 and rhesus rotavirus VP4 were higher than those against WC3 (GMTs of 458 and 313, respectively). Thus, VP7 appeared to be the dominant immunogen for production of neutralizing antibody after intestinal infection of previously uninfected infants vaccinated with WC3 bovine rotavirus.

Animals↗

Monkey rotavirus binding to alpha2beta1 integrin requires the alpha2 I domain and is facilitated by the homologous beta1 subunit.

Rotaviruses utilize integrins during virus-cell interactions that lead to infection. Cell binding and infection by simian rotavirus SA11 were inhibited by antibodies (Abs) to the inserted (I) domain of the alpha2 integrin subunit. To determine directly which integrins or other proteins bind rotaviruses, cell surface proteins precipitated by rotaviruses were compared with those precipitated by anti-alpha2beta1 Abs. Two proteins precipitated by SA11 and rhesus rotavirus RRV from MA104 and Caco-2 cells migrated indistinguishably from alpha2beta1 integrin, and SA11 precipitated beta1 from alpha2beta1-transfected CHO cells. These viruses specifically precipitated two MA104 cell proteins only, but an additional 160- to 165-kDa protein was precipitated by SA11 from Caco-2 cells. The role of the alpha2 I domain in rotavirus binding, infection, and growth was examined using CHO cell lines expressing wild-type or mutated human alpha2 or alpha2beta1. Infectious SA11 and RRV, but not human rotavirus Wa, specifically bound CHO cell-expressed human alpha2beta1 and, to a lesser extent, human alpha2 combined with hamster beta1. Binding was inhibited by anti-alpha2 I domain monoclonal Abs (MAbs), but not by non-I domain MAbs to alpha2, and required the presence of the alpha2 I domain. Amino acid residues 151, 221, and 254 in the metal ion-dependent adhesion site of the alpha2 I domain that are necessary for type I collagen binding to alpha2beta1 were not essential for rotavirus binding. Rotavirus-alpha2beta1 binding led to increased virus infection and RRV growth. SA11 and RRV require the alpha2 I domain for binding to alpha2beta1, and their binding to this integrin is distinguishable from that of collagen.

Animals↗

Human rotavirus antigen detection by enzyme-immunoassay with antisera against Nebraska calf diarrhoea virus.

A four-layer solid phase enzyme-immunoassay (EIA) with antisera against Nebraska calf diarrhoea virus (NCDV) as immunoreagents was developed to detect human rotavirus antigens from stool specimens of patients with acute rotavirus gastroenteritis. Polystyrene beads were used as the solid phase, guinea-pig and rabbit anti-NCDV immunoglobulin as the catching and secondary antibody, and peroxidase-conjugated swine anti-rabbit immunoglobulin as the indicator antibody. A comparison of the developed NCDV-EIA with an identical EIA, using antisera against human rotavirus (HRV-EIA) instead of NCDV antisera, was made with 216 stool specimens positive or negative for rotavirus. A complete agreement was obtained between the two methods provided that appropriate confirmatory tests were included. The developed NCDV-EIA was as sensitive and specific for rotavirus as the HRV-EIA, and it allowed the detection of both established rotavirus types 1 and 2 from stools with equal sensitivity. The difficulties in cultivating human rotavirus in vitro for immunisation and the relative ease of growing NCDV in widely-used continuous cell lines make NCDV a good alternative in the preparation of the highly specific and sensitive rotavirus antisera required in immunoassays, and facilitate the setting-up methods for the routine diagnosis of rotavirus gastroenteritis by EIA or RIA in diagnostic virus laboratories.

Antigens, Viral↗

Central nervous system involvement in neonatal rotavirus infection.

Rotavirus is an ubiquitous virus associated with severe gastro-enteritis in children under 2 years of age. However, serious conditions, including central nervous system involvement, have been associated with rotavirus infection. We investigated the clinical signs and symptoms of rotavirus infection in 156 neonates, specifically focusing on neurological signs. Neurological signs identified were apnoea, jitteriness, convulsions and poor sucking. Of the 156 babies, 66 were rotavirus-positive and 90 rotavirus-negative. In the rotavirus-positive group, 19.7% manifested apnoea compared with 22.2% in the rotavirus-negative group. The other three symptoms occurred in <10% of the neonates. Rotavirus dsRNA was detected by RT-PCR in the CSF of two. One had apnoea, the other no CNS symptoms. Although rotavirus infection in neonates is hardly ever asymptomatic and may cause death, it has not been associated with CNS symptomatology in our studies.

Central Nervous System Viral Diseases↗

[Rotavirus laboratory network: results after one year of observation].

Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in children and it has been estimated that in Argentina Rotavirus is responsible for 21,000 hospitalizations, 85,000 medical attentions and an annual medical cost of US$ 27 millions. Given that a Rotavirus vaccine is about to be approved, a laboratory network based surveillance system was organized. Herein, we present the results after one year of study. Severe diarrhea was responsible for 9% of pediatric hospitalizations and rotavirus was detected in 42.1% of the diarrhea cases. We estimated that Rotavirus causes 3.8% of pediatric hospitalizations. The number of diarrhea and Rotavirus diarrhea hospitalizations was greater during the first year of life (62% and 71.3%, respectively). The number of diarrhea hospitalizations during the December-May semester was significantly higher than the rest of the year. A Rotavirus diarrhea peak was detected between April and June. These results indicate that Rotavirus is the most important etiological agent of severe diarrhea in Argentine children and show the importance of performing Rotavirus diagnosis in every pediatric hospital. The additional costs will be compensated by many benefits such as better use of antibiotics, improved nosocomial spread control, better handling of hospital beds and of laboratory resources and of the hospitalized patient.

Argentina↗

[The relationship of serum mitochondrial creatine kinase and rotavirus gastroenteritis in pediatric patients].

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum mitochondrial creatine kinase(mCK) and rotavirus gastroenteritis in pediatric patients. Stool and serum specimens were simultaneously collected from 45 patients(25 males and 20 females) with suspected rotavirus gastroenteritis from January to December 1998. Stool specimens were tested by rotavirus latex agglutination assay. Fourteen patients(10 males, 4 females) were proved as positive, and peak season was in winter and early spring(7 positive cases in March). Six of the 14 were younger than one and 7 were between one and two. Total serum CK activity was measured by The Japan Society of Clinical Chemistry (JSCC) recommended method, and mCK activity was calculated from mCK fraction % obtained by CK isoenzyme electrophoresis. Patients' mCK activities were as follows, rotavirus antigen positive patients(n = 14): 60.0 +/- 20.6 U/l and rotavirus antigen negative patients(n = 31): 7.2 +/- 5.5 U/l. Significant difference was observed between rotavirus antigen positive group and rotavirus antigen negative group(p < 0.01), and control children group(n = 105): 7.1 +/- 2.9 U/l, (p < 0.01). The clinical implications and mechanisms of increased serum mCK activity are unclear. It is known that histological study of the small intestine from rotavirus gastroenteritis patients reveal shortened villi and mononuclear cell infiltration of the lamia propria; electron microscopy shows mitochondrial swelling and sparse irregular microvilli. Elevated serum mCK level of rotavirus gastroenteritis patient may therefore reflect diffused intestinal epithelial cell damage.

Child, Preschool↗

[Expression of main neutralization antigen VP7 of human rotavirus serotype G2 and G3 by recombinant adenoviruses].

OBJECTIVE: To express main neutralization antigen VP7 of human rotavirus serotype G2 and G3 by recombinant adenoviruses on the basis of previous investigation of the prevalence of rotavirus in China. METHODS: On the basis of successfully expression of human rotavirus protein G1VP7 by recombinant adenovirus vector, the authors constructed some potent recombinant adenovirus strains encoding rotavirus G2 VP7 and G3 VP7 genes which belong to the main rotavirus isolates 97S43 and 97S48. RESULTS: Replication defective recombinant adenoviruses expressing human rotavirus serotype G2 and G3 VP7 genes, named as rvAdG2VP7 and rvAdG3VP7 were successfully constructed. VP7 genes integrated into the viral genome were identified by PCR and Southern blot assay, and specific transcription were detected by RT-PCR in the 293 cells infected with recombinant adenoviruses. Expression of rotavirus VP7 proteins was demonstrated by Western blot assay. CONCLUSION: The established recombinant adenoviruses expressing G2 and G3 serotype VP7s laid a significant basis for further animal experiments in the development of multivalent rotavirus vaccines against rotavirus infection.

Adenoviridae↗

[Epidemiological study on rotavirus-borne diarrhea in infants and children in different areas].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and compare the epidemiological features of rotavirus diarrhea among infants in the different areas so as to provide data for rotavirus vaccine research. METHODS: From Sep. 2001 through Sep. 2003, sentinel sites were set up in Suzhou Children's Hospital and Maanshan Hospital. Fecal samples from children (< 5 years) with acute diarrheal were collected and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect rotavirus antigen. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the G serotypes and P genotypes of rotavirus strains. The features of strains in the two places and other areas of China were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: (1) Rotavirus infection appeared in autumn and winter, but the peaks varied. In Suzhou the peaks were from December to next February in 2001, and November to next January in 2002. But in Maanshan, it was November to next January for both two years. (2) Rate of rotavirus infection in Suzhou was much higher than that in Maanshan, infective rates of Inpatient Department and Outpatient Department are 47.28%, 28.39% and 30.38%, 14.77% respectively in the two hospitals. (3) Rates of infection in two hospitals showed age difference but the highest group was in 6 - 35 month-olds. No gender difference was found. (4) Secular distribution of G-typing and P-typing of rotavirus strain was different in Suzhou and Maanshan. G3 was mainly found in Suzhou and G1 in Maanshan. From 2002-2003 on, G3 became dominant in Maanshan. CONCLUSION: Rotavirus caused diarrhea among infant and children were different in terms of areas, period and types, suggesting that the introduction of rotavirus vaccine should be adjusted according to different strains with specific types and optimal timeline.

Child, Preschool↗

[Differential clinical characteristics among pediatric patients with gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus and adenovirus].

BACKGROUND: The differential clinical and epidemiological characteristics of pediatric patients (< 14 years) with gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus or adenovirus were studied. MATERIAL AND PATIENTS: A retrospective study was performed in patients with viral gastroenteritis diagnosed from January 1990 to December 1992. The detection of viral particles was carried out by the agglutination system with latex particles sensitized with antibodies versus rotavirus and adenovirus. Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the patients were collected reviewing the medical records and emergency charts. RESULTS: Two hundred eighty-nine patients corresponding to 240 cases of infection by rotavirus (83.1%) and 48 (16.9%) by adenovirus, were analyzed. Diarrhea by rotavirus predominated in the winter months (59.7% of the cases from December to March). Nonetheless, those caused by adenovirus were seen throughout the year with a stable incidence being observed. Statistically significant differences were seen in both groups (p < 0.001) with rotavirus infection having a greater tendency to admission and greater incidence of vomiting, fever (> 39 degrees C) and underlying disease. The presence of leukocytosis was different in the adenovirus group as were the greater length of duration of diarrhea prior to attending the Emergency Department (5.2 days) and the total length of stay (11.2 days). No other associated enteropathogenic organisms were detected in 86.3% of the infections by rotavirus and in the 89.8% of those caused by adenovirus. In regard to age group distribution prevalence of diarrhea by rotavirus was observed during the first 3 months of life (76.6%) while adenovirus group it went up to 24 months of age with similar percentages. CONCLUSIONS: Diarrhea by rotavirus is mainly presented in the winter, with vomiting and its shorter in length and the symptoms less prolonged than diarrhea caused by adenovirus. Rotavirus diarrhea generally affect patients admitted with some underlying disease. Nonetheless, microbiologic diagnosis is required to establish the definitive etiology of both clinical processes.

Adenoviridae Infections↗