Molecular Epidemiological Investigation of Childhood Rotavirus Infection in Taiwan between 2004 and 2006

Fun-Tz Wu

2007 Vol.23 NO.8

Correspondence Author： Fun-Tz Wu

Abstract：

from Chinese version, pp,448-460
Rotavirus is the major cause of severe diarrhea in childhood. It mainly infects children. Once infected, children will experience vomiting and severe watery diarrhea (>10 times/day), which can easily resulted in dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, acidosis, seizures or even death. This study analyzed hospitalized children with acute gastroenteritis referred from outpatient departments or emergency rooms. Out of the 820, 801, and 1946 stool specimens collected from April 2004 to 2006, Rotavirus was identified in 14.1%, 18.73% and 23.7% respectively. Most cases occurred between Novembers to May in the following year, with peak season in March. RT-PCR showed the prevalence of serotypes of rotavirus group A VP7 G (2004/2005/2006): G1 (11.9%, 23.4%, 34.4%), G2 (35.9%, 17.6%, 6.3%), G3 (26.1%, 19.1%, 34.4%), G4 (0, 0.68%, 0), G9 (26.1%, 21.7%, 24.6%). A new strain, G12, was identified this year. Severe diarrhea or vomiting was often observed clinically with up to about 90% of patients requiring hospitalization.
Keywords: rotavirus, acute gastroenteritis, molecular epidemiological analysis, G genotyping