Epidemiology of rotavirus diarrhoea in Albania

Arch Virol. 2014 Sep;159(9):2491-5. doi: 10.1007/s00705-014-2093-4. Epub 2014 May 1.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of rotavirus disease in children<5 years old in Tirana, Albania, and to monitor and characterize the rotavirus genotypes. Rotavirus was detected in 21% of samples, more frequently in children under 2 years of age, which accounted for 80.8% of all positive cases. Among all rotavirus-positive samples collected, G4P[8] was the most prevalent genotype (38%), followed by G1P[8] (36.6%). The use of safe and effective rotavirus vaccines for the prevention of severe diarrhoea and the reduction of treatment costs will be of great importance for Albania.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Albania / epidemiology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diarrhea / epidemiology*
  • Diarrhea / virology
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Molecular Epidemiology
  • Prevalence
  • Prospective Studies
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • Rotavirus / genetics
  • Rotavirus / isolation & purification
  • Rotavirus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Rotavirus Infections / virology

Substances

  • RNA, Viral