Detection of Circulating Rotavirus Genotypes in Hospitalized Children ≤5 Years of Age with Acute Gastroenteritis

Identification of rotavirus genotypes in children is clinically important. This study aimed to determine the spectrum of rotavirus genotypes and assess their correlation with demographic variables and clinical manifestations in hospitalized children.

To determine rotavirus genotypes, rotavirus positive stool samples of symptomatic children were included in the study between December 2019 and March 2020. RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis for VP7 and VP4 genes were performed following standard protocols. Genotypes were determined using specific primers. Validation of results was done through sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 20 and GraphPad version 9.5.0.

Among the infected patients, three genotypes emerged as dominant in the studied population. The study demonstrated a significant correlation between genotype frequency and seasonal variations (p-value=0.0077), as well as between genotypes, hospitalization, and severity of diarrhea. While significantly more types of rotavirus group A were identified with increasing age, no correlation was observed between the genotypes and gender (p-value=0.473). Furthermore, there was no significant association between genotype, dehydration rates, and the presence or absence of fever.

This study revealed a relatively high diversity of rotavirus genotypes in children. The findings suggest the need for further research to validate the identified correlations between certain genotypes and age groups, seasonal variations, clinical symptoms, and the efficacy of available vaccines.