Unexpected detection of bovine G10 rotavirus in a Brazilian child with diarrhea

Prevalence of bovine rotavirus among Bovidae in China during 1984-2021: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Bovine rotavirus (BRV) is a potential zoonotic intestinal pathogen that brings a serious threat to calf health, and has resulted in huge economic losses to China's breeding industry. Here, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the prevalence of BRV among Bovidae from 1984 to 2021 in China. A total of 64 publications on BRV investigation in China were screened from the databases Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang Database, Technology Periodical Database (VIP), PubMed, and ScienceDirect. The random-effect model was used to calculate the pooled prevalence of BRV, and the analyzed data were derived from 25 provinces in China. The estimated pooled prevalence of BRV in China was 35.7% (8176/17,292). In addition, the prevalence of BRV in Southwestern China (77.1%; 2924/3600) was significantly higher than that in other regions of China. Regarding geographic and climatic factors, the prevalence of BRV in the subgroup of latitude 30-35° (76.8%; 3303/4659) was significantly higher than that in the subgroup of latitude less than 30° (37.0%; 485/1275) or more than 35° (32.6%; 1703/5722), while the prevalence of BRV in the subgroup of longitude 100-105° (75.4%; 2513/3849) was significantly higher than that in the subgroup of longitude less than 100° (32.6%; 619/2255) or more than 105° (48.9%; 2359/5552). Rainfall was positively correlated with the prevalence of BRV, whereas temperature was negatively correlated with the positive rate of BRV (P < 0.05). Our data showed that the prevalence of BRV was strongly correlated with geographical and climatic conditions. Thus, we recommend that the corresponding prevention and control programs should be formulated according to different geographical conditions. The strengthening of BRV surveillance in areas with high altitude, low temperature, and heavy rainfall may contribute to the decrease of the incidence of BRV infection among Bovidae herds in China.

Rotaviruses A and C in dairy cattle in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Stool samples were collected from calves from nine family-based small dairy farms in the state of Rio de Janeiro, for detection and characterization of rotavirus (RV) species A, B, and C (RVA, RVB, and RVC, respectively) by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Twenty-six samples (27.7%) were positive for at least one of the species: 22 (23.4%) samples were positive only for RVA, 3 (3.2%) were positive for RVC, and one sample (1.1%) had co-infection of RVA and RVC. RVB was not detected. Seven (21.9%; n = 32) animals with diarrhea and 19 (30.1% n = 62) asymptomatic animals were positive, with no significant difference in positivity (p = 0.3677). RV was detected in all properties studied, at rates between 14.3 and 80%, demonstrating the widespread circulation of RV in four of the seven geographic regions of the state of Rio de Janeiro. Infection was more prevalent among animals ≤ 6 months of age. Sequence analysis of a portion of the RVA VP6-encoding gene identified the I2 genotype. RVC was also detected; to our knowledge, this is the first description of this agent in cattle in Brazil. The data presented here should add knowledge regarding the importance and prevalence of RV in our national territory, and may facilitate the planning and implementation of control and prevention measures for bovine rotavirus infections in Brazil.

Determinants of diarrhoeal diseases and height-for-age z-scores in children under five years of age in rural central Tanzania

INTRODUCTION

Childhood diarrhoeal diseases and stunting are major health problems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Poor water supply, sanitation services and hygiene, frequently encountered in resource-poor settings, contribute to childhood diarrhoea and stunting.

METHODS

Data on demographic characteristics, hygiene practices, sanitation and human-animal interactions (predictors) and child height-for-age z-scores (HAZ) (outcome) were collected once, while diarrhoea incidences were collected fortnightly for 24 months (outcome).

RESULTS

Drinking water from public taps (OR = 0.51, 95% CI. 0.44-0.61; p < 0.001) and open wells (OR = 0.46, 95% CI. 0.39-0.54; p < 0.001) and older age of children (OR = 0.43, 95% CI. 0.27-0.67; p < 0.001) were protective against diarrhoea. Inappropriate disposal of children's faeces (OR = 1.15, 95% CI. 1.02-1.31; p = 0.025), sharing water sources with animals in the dry season (OR = 1.48, 95% CI. 1.29-1.70; p < 0.001), overnight sharing of houses with cats (OR = 1.35, 95% CI. 1.16-1.57; p < 0.001) and keeping chickens inside the house overnight regardless of room (OR = 1.39, 95% CI. 1.20-1.60; p < 0.001) increased the risk of diarrhoea. The Sukuma language group (p = 0.005), washing hands in running water (p = 0.007), access of chickens to unwashed kitchen utensils (p = 0.030) and overnight sharing of the house with sheep (p = 0.020) were associated with higher HAZ in children.

CONCLUSIONS

Until a more precise understanding of the key risk factors is available, these findings suggest efforts towards control of diarrhoea and improved linear growth in these areas should be directed to increased access to clean and safe water, hand-washing, sanitation, and improved animal husbandry practices.

Genetic characterization of group-A rotaviruses among children in eastern India during 2014-2016: Phylodynamics of co-circulating genotypes

BACKGROUND

Group-A human rotaviruses (GARV) are among the major cause of childhood diarrhea worldwide. In lieu of monitoring the circulatory GARV strains and underscoring the burden of GARV related hospitalization, a systematic surveillance was conducted in three hospitals of eastern India. In this hospital-based diarrheal disease surveillance (2014-2016), GARV was the most common cause of acute infantile gastroenteritis. The strains were genotyped and characterized to understand their prevalence and phylodynamics prior to the introduction of vaccine in eastern India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 3652 stool samples were screened from children (≤5 years) hospitalized with acute diarrhea during 2014-2016. Initial screening for VP6 antigen was done by ELISA. GARV positive samples were genotyped by multiplex semi-nested PCR and DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were based on the capsid proteins VP4 and VP7.

RESULTS

Of 3652 samples, 1817 (49.8%) were GARV positive. G1, G2, G3 and G9 in conjunction with P[4], P[6]and P[8]genotypes were seen to co-circulate in the population. A sharp deflection from G1 to G3 occurred since 2016; upsurge of G9 strains was seen in alternate years, whereas G2 strains had a low frequency. All the circulating genotypes depicted a low phylogenetic relatedness to the vaccine strains. Differences in antigenic epitopes of VP4 and VP7 proteins in local strains were seen when compared to the vaccine strains. A significant difference in the degree of dehydration, duration of mean hospital stay and frequency of vomiting/24 h between GARV positive and negative children was evident.

CONCLUSION

The study provides a relevant set of base-line data on high burden of rotaviral gastroenteritis and the varied genotypic diversity among children prior to the introduction of GARV vaccine in this endemic region. Continuous monitoring during post-vaccination era will be required to assess the impact of vaccination in this region.

Rotavirus genotypes circulating in Ontario, Canada, before and after implementation of the rotavirus immunization program

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Ontario introduced a universal publicly-funded group A rotavirus (RVA) immunization program in August 2011, using monovalent vaccine. RVA immunization programs have decreased the incidence of RVA acute gastroenteritis in many countries but it is unclear if it will contribute to the emergence of certain genotypes. We monitored RVA trends and genotypes in Ontario before and after implementation of the publicly-funded immunization program.

METHODS

RVA detection was conducted at Public Health Ontario Laboratories from January 2009 to December 2011 (pre-program period) and January 2012 to October 2015 (publicly-funded RVA immunization program period) and number of RVA-positive specimens and percent positivity were analysed. A convenience sample of RVA-positive stool specimens, from September 2010 to December 2011 (pre-program period) and January 2012 to June 2013 (program period), were genotyped using heminested PCR. A literature review on the burden of illness from emergent genotype was performed.

RESULTS

Stool specimens showed a significant decrease in RVA percent positivity from the 36 month pre-program period (14.4%; 1537/10700) to the 46 month program period (6.1%; 548/9019). An increase in the proportion of RVA G10 among genotyped specimens, associated with five different P genotypes, from the pre-program (6.3%; 13/205) to the program (31.5%; 40/127) period was observed. Our literature review identified approximately 200 G10-positive human stool specimens from 16 different countries.

CONCLUSIONS

This study documented a decrease in the number of RVA-positive specimens and percent positivity after implementation of the immunization program. An unexpected increase in the proportion of RVA G10 was detected following program introduction. Ongoing RVA surveillance is important in evaluating both the long-term impact of immunization and emergence of RVA genotypes.

Etiologies, Risk Factors and Impact of Severe Diarrhea in the Under-Fives in Moramanga and Antananarivo, Madagascar

Background

Diarrheal disease remains a leading cause of death in children in low-income countries. We investigated the etiology, risk factors and effects on nutritional status of severe diarrhea in children from two districts in Madagascar.

Methods

We performed a matched case-control study in 2011 to 2014, on children under the age of five years from Moramanga and Antananarivo. The cases were children hospitalized for severe diarrhea and the controls were children without diarrhea selected at random from the community. Stool samples were collected from both groups. Anthropometric measurements were made during follow-up visits about one and two months after enrolment.

Results

We enrolled 199 cases and 199 controls. Rotavirus infection was the most frequently detected cause of diarrhea. It was strongly associated with severe diarrhea (OR: 58.3; 95% CI: 7.7–439.9), accounting for 42.4% (95% CI: 37.6–43.1) of severe diarrhea cases. At the household level, possession of cattle (OR = 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1–0.6) and living in a house with electricity (OR = 0.4; 95% CI: 0.2–0.8) were protective factors. The presence of garbage around the house was a risk factor for severe diarrhea (OR = 3.2; 95% CI: 1.9–5.4). We found no significant association between severe diarrhea and the nutritional status of the children at follow-up visits, but evident wasting at enrolment was associated with a higher risk of severe diarrhea (OR = 9; 95% CI: 4.5–17.9).

Conclusions

Severe childhood diarrhea is mostly caused by rotavirus infection. An anti-rotavirus vaccine has already been introduced in Madagascar and should be promoted more widely. However, post-licensing surveillance is required. Interventions to improve the nutritional status of children, preventive measures focused on household and personal hygiene and nutritional rehabilitation during severe diarrheal disease should be reinforced.

G1P[8] species A rotavirus over 27 years--pre- and post-vaccination eras--in Brazil: full genomic constellation analysis and no evidence for selection pressure by Rotarix® vaccine

Epidemiological data on species A rotavirus (RVA) infections have demonstrated the genetic diversity of strains circulating worldwide. Many G and P genotype combinations have been described over the years, varying regionally and temporally, especially in developing countries. However, the most common G and P genotype combinations identified in RVA human strains worldwide are G1P[8], G2P[4], G3P[8], G4P[8] and G9P[8]. RVA genotype G1P[8] strains are responsible for more than 50% of child infections worldwide and component of the two vaccines (Rotarix® [RV1] and RotaTeq® [RV5]) licensed globally. For a better understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms of this genotype in Brazil, phylogenetic analyses based on the 11 RVA genome segments (genomic constellation) from 90 G1P[8] RVA strains collected in two eras - (i) pre-vaccination with RV1 (1996-February 2006); (ii) post-vaccination (March 2006-2013) - in different Brazilian states were performed. The results showed the Wa-like genomic constellation of the Brazilian G1P[8] strains with a I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E1-H1 specificity, except for two strains (rj14055-07 and ba19030-10) that belong to a I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T3-E1-H1 genomic constellation, evidencing the occurrence of reassortment (Wa-like×AU-1-like) of the NSP3 gene. Reassortment events were also demonstrated between Brazilian G1P[8] strains and the RV1 vaccine strain in some genes in vaccinated and unvaccinated children. VP7 and VP8* antigenic site analysis showed that the amino acid substitutions observed in samples collected after the introduction of RV1 in Brazil were already detected in samples collected in the 1980s and 1990s, suggesting that mass Brazilian RV1 vaccination had no impact on the diversity observed inside antigenic sites for these two proteins.