Njifon HLM, Kenmoe S, Ahmed SM, Roussel Takuissu G, Ebogo-Belobo JT, Njile DK, Bowo-Ngandji A, Mbaga DS, Kengne-Nde C, Mouiche MMM, Njouom R, Perraut R, Leung DT. Epidemiology of Rotavirus in Humans, Animals, and the Environment in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
J Infect Dis 2024;
229:1470-1480. [PMID:
37962924 PMCID:
PMC11095554 DOI:
10.1093/infdis/jiad500]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Globally, rotavirus infections are the most common cause of diarrhea-related deaths, especially among children under 5 years of age. This virus can be transmitted through the fecal-oral route, although zoonotic and environmental contributions to transmission are poorly defined. The purpose of this study is to determine the epidemiology of rotavirus in humans, animals, and the environment in Africa, as well as the impact of vaccination.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Africa Index Medicus, and African Journal Online, identifying 240 prevalence data points from 224 articles between 2009 and 2022.
RESULTS
Human rotavirus prevalence among patients with gastroenteritis was 29.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 28.1%-31.5%; 238 710 participants), with similar estimates in children under 5 years of age, and an estimated case fatality rate of 1.2% (95% CI, .7%-2.0%; 10 440 participants). Prevalence was estimated to be 15.4% and 6.1% in patients with nongastroenteritis illnesses and apparently healthy individuals, respectively. Among animals, prevalence was 9.3% (95% CI, 5.7%-13.7%; 6115 animals), and in the environmental water sources, prevalence was 31.4% (95% CI, 17.7%-46.9%; 2530 samples).
DISCUSSION
Our findings highlight the significant burden of rotavirus infection in Africa, and underscore the need for a One Health approach to limiting the spread of this disease.
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