Frequency, clinical characteristics, and genotype distribution of rotavirus gastroenteritis in Greece (2007–2008)

Abstract

Rotavirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis among young children worldwide. A prospective multi‐center study was conducted (2007–2008) in five Pediatric Hospitals to determine the prevalence, the clinical characteristics, and genotype distribution of rotavirus infection in Greece. Faecal samples were examined for the presence of group A rotavirus antigen by immunochromatography. Rotavirus strains were subjected to G and P genotyping by reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. A total of 393 children (216 boys) of median age 23 months, participated in the study. Rotavirus was the cause of acute gastroenteritis in 166 children, 42.3% (CI 95%, 37.4–47.1%) of non‐hospitalized and 47.8% (CI 95%, 41.7–53.9%) of hospitalized patients. Rotavirus gastroenteritis occurred between December and April in 78.6% of the cases. Most children with RVG (77.8%) were between 3 months and 3 years old. The mean value of Clark severity score was 12.9 ± 5.1 for RVG and 10.5 ± 4.9 for non‐RVG (P < 0.01). Genotypes were determined in 117 strains and their distribution was as following: G1P[8], 49%; G2P[4], 31%; G4P[8], 10%; G9P[8], 9%; and G8P[14], 1%. In conclusion, rotavirus is a frequent cause of acute gastroenteritis in Greece. The genotypes circulating are similar with those of other European countries. J. Med. Virol. 83:165–169, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

A cross-sectional vaccination coverage study in preschool children attending nurseries-kindergartens: Implications on economic crisis effect

“…In Greece, only 2 vaccines were considered as "recommended" and not "necessary" by the NIP: RV and IIV. Although rotavirus is a frequent cause of acute gastroenteritis, 37 the low coverage might be attributed to low assessment of vaccine necessity by physicians and parents that reflect a common impression of limited disease burden. Additionally, the relatively high cost of vaccination and partial compensation from major funds further aggravate perception of unfavorable costeffectiveness.…”

Rare Types of Rotaviruses Isolated from Children with Acute Gastroenteritis in Patras, Greece

“…RV genotype distribution varies seasonally and among countries and regions. Studies from European centers report G1P[8], G2P[4], G9P[8], G3P[8], and G4P[8] as their most frequently identified genotypes [3]. A growing number of countries worldwide have reported the occurrence of G12, both sporadically and as a genotype of notable incidence [5,6,7,8,9].…”

“…Five common serotypes (G1, G2, G3, G4, and G9) are responsible for over 98% of all RV infections in Europe [4]. Studies on RV genotype distribution are very few in Greece, although some remarkable works have recently been published [3,18]. During a multicenter study conducted during the period 2007-2008, a strain that displayed the unusual G12P[14] type was finally identified as G8P[14] [3].…”

“…Group A RVs are the most important causative agents of severe childhood diarrhea. RV gastroenteritis represents a major public health burden in the EU and is responsible for almost half of the acute gastroenteritis (AGE) hospitalizations and emergency visits in children up to 5 years of age in Greece [3,4]. RV genotype distribution varies seasonally and among countries and regions.…”

“…It has a greater clinical burden compared to non-RV AGE, and it occurs more frequently in winter months [3]. Five common serotypes (G1, G2, G3, G4, and G9) are responsible for over 98% of all RV infections in Europe [4].…”