Molecular and serological characterization of group A rotavirus isolates obtained from hospitalized children in Jahrom

Rotaviruses are the most common factors causing gastroenteritis in children. Considering the high rate of mortality in developing countries، WHO proposed hospital based surveillance in order to identify the prevalent genotype profile. This study was conducted to determine the prevalent genotypes of Rotavirus by RT-PCR method in hospitalized children in Jahrom city. In this study، 163 stool samples were collected from children (<5 years old) with sever diarrhea who were hospitalized in two hospitals in Jahrom city during 2005-2006. At first، group A rotavirus were distinguished by Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) test and then the genotypes of positive samples were determined using 9 specific primers by Nested RT-PCR method. From the total of 163 collected samples، 75 samples were positive by ELISA. The frequency of G1،G2،G3،G4،G9 and the mix genotypes were 17. 33%، 13. 34%، 2. 67%، 30. 66%، 2. 67% and 2. 67%، respectively. The most common prevalence of positive rotavirus was observed in winter with 22. 69% compared to the least prevalence in summer with 4. 29% (P<0. 05). Considering the high prevalence of positive rotavirus in studied population and also prevalence of rare genotypes، we suggest a broader research in other parts of the country.