Systematic review of the rotavirus infection burden in the WHO-EMRO region

Abstract

Rotavirus gastroenteritis imposes a heavy burden on low- and middle-income countries. The World Health Organization defines the Eastern Mediterranean region (WHO-EMRO) as a diverse area in terms of socioeconomic status and health indicators. Rotavirus vaccination has been introduced, at least partially, in 19 out of the 22 EM countries; however, vaccine coverage remains low, and data on rotavirus disease burden is scarce.Available data on rotavirus prevalence, seasonality, vaccination status, and genotype evolution was systematically compiled following a literature review that identified 165 relevant WHO-EMRO epidemiology studies published between 1990 and 2017.Although the infectious agents responsible for acute gastroenteritis vary over time, rotavirus remained the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in children, as seen in 76.3% of reviewed publications. Younger children (<2 years old) were at higher risk and thus increased vaccination coverage and surveillance systems are required to reduce the rotavirus gastroenteritis burden in WHO-EMRO countries.

First experimental proof of Rotavirus A (RVA) genotype G18P[17] inducing the clinical presentation of ‘young pigeon disease syndrome’ (YPDS) in domestic pigeons ( Columba livia )

“…Members of the viral species Rotavirus A (RVA; genus Rotavirus, family Reoviridae) are non-enveloped viruses with a double-stranded RNA genome composed of 11 segments. They are known as causative agents of acute intestinal disorders of mainly juvenile individuals of a broad range of different species, including humans, domestic mammals and birds (Badur et al, 2019;Dhama, Chauhan, Mahendran, & Malik, 2009;Dhama et al, 2015;Martella, Banyai, Matthijnssens, Buonavoglia, & Ciarlet, 2010). While most RVA infections remain largely restricted to the intestinal tract, recent evidence suggests the occurrence of systemic infections particularly in young children (Gomez-Rial et al, 2019;Martella et al, 2010;Ramig, 2004; Rivero-Calle, Gomez-Rial, & Martinon-Torres, 2016).…”

Prevalence of Rotavirus-Associated Acute Gastroenteritis Cases in Early Childhood in Turkey: Meta-Analysis

“…Rotavirus is the leading etiologic agent of acute gastroenteritis in children under the age of five years. Due to rotavirus diarrhea, there are 111 million diarrhea attacks, 25 million outpatient clinics, and 2 million children hospitalized every year [ 3 , 5 ]. Diarrhea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, and dehydration occur in infants and children with rotavirus infection.…”

“…Unlike other agents that cause gastroenteritis, rotaviruses are seen in the same frequency in developed and developing countries [ 1 , 3 ]. Rotavirus gastroenteritis causes mortality in developing countries where treatment options are insufficient and morbidity and economic losses in developed countries [ 1 , 5 , 6 ]. Although several studies were conducted in Turkey related to rotavirus infection, data are not available to develop preventive policies and programs.…”

First isolation and whole-genome characterization of a G9P[14] rotavirus strain from a diarrheic child in Egypt

“…In humans, rotavirus A (RVA) was responsible for an estimated 128 500 deaths among children <5 years of age, with 104 733 occurring in sub-Saharan Africa [1]. Additionally, a recent review showed that rotavirus (RV) was the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in children from the Eastern Mediterranean region [2]. Rotaviruses possess a genome of 11 segments of double-stranded RNA, encoding six structural proteins (VP1-VP4, VP6 and VP7) and six non-structural proteins (NSP1-NSP6).…”