Rotavirus genotypes in children with gastroenteritis assisted in two public hospitals from Chile: Viral strains circulating in a country without a universal vaccination against rotavirus Genotipos de rotavirus aislados de niños chilenos con gastroenteriti

Abstract

Background: Rotavirus is the main cause of severe gastroenteritis (GE) in children. Two vaccines currently available have proven effi cacy against the predominant genotypes. Rotavirus genotypes vary both geographically and/or temporally. Genotype surveillance is important to monitor trends associated or not with vaccine use. Aim: To update information on rotavirus genotypes circulating in two main cities of Chile. Methodology: Between May 2009-March 2010, children < 5y of age receiving medical care for GE in two large hospitals were recruited; none of these children had received rotavirus vaccine previously. Epidemiological information was recorded in an ad-hoc form and stool samples were collected for rotavirus detection by a commercial ELISA. Genotyping was performed by semi-nested RT-PCR. Results: A total of 296/967 samples (31%) were positive for rotavirus, with a peak in November/ December mostly in children 7-24 months old (67%). G9P[8] was the predominant genotype (76%), followe