Rotavirus gastroenteritis in Pakistan, 2018: updated disease burden

Objective Rotavirus A (RVA) is a significant cause of severe diarrheal illness and one of the common causes of death in children under the age of five. This study was aimed at detecting the prevalence of RVA in Pakistan after rotavirus vaccines were introduced. Fecal samples were obtained from 813 children from different hospitals in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan, from January 2018 to December 2018. To obtain additional information from the parents / guardians of the children, a standard questionnaire was used. Results Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit (ELISA), rotavirus antigen was detected and ELISA positive samples were subjected to reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). The findings showed 22% prevalence of RVA in children with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) via ELISA and 21% prevalence via RT-PCR in children with AGE. There was no statistically significant difference between gender, age and RVA infections. The winter, spring and fall/autumn seasons were statistically significant for RVA prevalence. Conclusion The present study will provide post vaccine prevalence data for the health policy makers. The implementation of rotavirus vaccines, along with adequate nutrition for babies, clean water supply and maternal hygienic activities during infant feeding, is recommended. Furthermore, continuous surveillance is mandatory in the whole country to calculate the disease burden caused by RVA.

Automated summary

This study aimed to detect the prevalence of Rotavirus A (RVA) in children in Pakistan after the introduction of rotavirus vaccines. Results showed a high prevalence of RVA in children with acute gastroenteritis (AGE), with no significant differences in gender and age among RVA infections. The seasons of winter, spring, and fall/autumn were statistically significant for RVA prevalence. Recommendations include implementing rotavirus vaccines, providing adequate nutrition and clean water supply for infants, and continuous surveillance to calculate the disease burden caused by RVA.