Name
High prevalence of rotavirus infection will be alarming for Bangladeshi pediatric population
Presenter
Shuvra Kanti Dey, Jahangirnagar University
Co-Author(s)
Shuvra Kanti Deya, Samsoon Nahar Joly, Rubayet Rayhan Opu, Abdullah Ibna Masud, Jannatin Nai, Fariha Bushra Khana, Krishna Rani Dash, Nadim Sharif
Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh
Abstract Category
Epidemiology, Evolution, and Diversity
Abstract
Background and aims: Rotavirus is associated with 30% to 40% of the cases of diarrhea in Bangladesh. Besides, the low vaccine coverage and lower efficacy of oral rotavirus vaccines contribute to increased health burdens involving prolonged hospitalizations and severe health conditions.
Methods: A total of 410 fecal specimens were collected from children with diarrheal diseases from one clinic in Tangail, Bangladesh from January 2021 to December 2024. All of the specimens were analyzed for rotaviruses by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Molecular sequencing methods were applied to confirm the genotypes. Nucleotide sequences of amplicons of VP4 and VP7 of rotavirus were determined.
Results: Rotavirus was detected in 159 of 410 (38.7%) fecal specimens. Molecular sequencing revealed that rotavirus genotype G1 was the most prevalent (47%) in association with P-types of P[8] (65%). Among G/P combinations, G1P[8] (42%) was the most common followed by G9P[8] (21%), G2P[4] (14%), G3P[8] (11%), and G4P[8] (7%), respectively. Substitution point mutations at VP7 and VP4 genes at the antigenic regions were detected in G2P[4] and G9P[8] isolates. Rotavirus was detected throughout the year with an increased incidence during the winter (59%) and monsoon seasons (38%).
Conclusion: This study found a significantly higher prevalence (39%) of rotavirus with a surge in G1 and G9 genotypes in Bangladesh. The presence of substitutions at antigenic proteins of rotavirus is alarming. Findings from this study will add knowledge in the field of molecular epidemiology of rotavirus for the improvement of vaccination programs to reduce the health burden in Bangladesh.
Methods: A total of 410 fecal specimens were collected from children with diarrheal diseases from one clinic in Tangail, Bangladesh from January 2021 to December 2024. All of the specimens were analyzed for rotaviruses by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Molecular sequencing methods were applied to confirm the genotypes. Nucleotide sequences of amplicons of VP4 and VP7 of rotavirus were determined.
Results: Rotavirus was detected in 159 of 410 (38.7%) fecal specimens. Molecular sequencing revealed that rotavirus genotype G1 was the most prevalent (47%) in association with P-types of P[8] (65%). Among G/P combinations, G1P[8] (42%) was the most common followed by G9P[8] (21%), G2P[4] (14%), G3P[8] (11%), and G4P[8] (7%), respectively. Substitution point mutations at VP7 and VP4 genes at the antigenic regions were detected in G2P[4] and G9P[8] isolates. Rotavirus was detected throughout the year with an increased incidence during the winter (59%) and monsoon seasons (38%).
Conclusion: This study found a significantly higher prevalence (39%) of rotavirus with a surge in G1 and G9 genotypes in Bangladesh. The presence of substitutions at antigenic proteins of rotavirus is alarming. Findings from this study will add knowledge in the field of molecular epidemiology of rotavirus for the improvement of vaccination programs to reduce the health burden in Bangladesh.