Australian Rotavirus Surveillance Program annual report, 2015

Commun Dis Intell Q Rep. 2016 Dec 24;40(4):E527-E538.

Abstract

The Australian Rotavirus Surveillance Program, together with collaborating laboratories Australia-wide, reports the rotavirus genotypes responsible for the hospitalisation of children with acute gastroenteritis during the period 1 January to 31 December 2015. During the survey period, 1,383 faecal samples were referred for rotavirus G and P genotype analysis, and of these, 1,031 were confirmed as rotavirus positive. A total of 634 specimens had been collected from children under 5 years of age, while 397 were from older children and adults. Genotype analysis of samples from both children and adults revealed that G12P[8] was the dominant genotype in this reporting period, identified in 48.2% of strains nationally. Genotype G3P[8] was the second most common strain nationally, representing 22.8% of samples, followed by G2P[4] and G1P[8] (9% and 8% respectively). G3P[8] was further divided as equine-like G3P[8] (13.2% of all strains) and other wild-type G3P[8] (9.6%). This report highlights the continued predominance of G12P[8] strains as the major cause of disease in this population. Genotype distribution was distinct between jurisdictions using RotaTeq and Rotarix vaccines. Genotype G12P[8] was more common in states using RotaTeq, while equine-like G3P[8] and G2P[4] were more common in the states and territories using Rotarix. This survey highlights the dynamic change in rotavirus genotypes observed since vaccine introduction, including the emergence of a novel equine-like G3P[8] as a major strain. The prolonged dominance of G12P[8] for a 4th consecutive year further illustrates the unexpected trends in the wild type rotaviruses circulating in the Australian population since vaccine introduction.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Annual Reports as Topic
  • Australia / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Feces / virology
  • Female
  • Gastroenteritis / epidemiology
  • Gastroenteritis / virology
  • Genotype
  • History, 21st Century
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Population Surveillance*
  • Rotavirus / genetics*
  • Rotavirus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Rotavirus Infections / history
  • Rotavirus Infections / microbiology*
  • Rotavirus Infections / prevention & control
  • Rotavirus Vaccines / immunology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Rotavirus Vaccines