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Surveillance for rotavirus in Argentina
Author(s) -
Bok Karin,
Castagnaro Nelda,
Borsa Ana,
Nates Silvia,
Espul Carlos,
Fay Oscar,
Fabri Adriana,
Grinstein Saul,
Miceli Isabel,
Matson David O.,
Gómez Jorge A.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of medical virology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1096-9071
pISSN - 0146-6615
DOI - 10.1002/jmv.2020
Subject(s) - rotavirus , diarrhea , rotavirus vaccine , virology , reoviridae , medicine , vaccination , rotavirus infections , epidemiology , pediatrics , environmental health , virus
Group A rotaviruses are the major cause of severe gastroenteritis in young children worldwide. Because rotavirus vaccination appeared imminent, a nationwide surveillance program was organized between October 1996 and October 1998 in the largest Argentine cities. Surveillance for disease burden, rotavirus detection, and rotavirus typing was undertaken at nine locations. Results showed rotavirus to be associated with 42% of diarrhea admissions. Although the prevalent G types changed from year to year, common G types were found in 96% of the cases and were usually associated with common P types. Uncommon G types, G9 and G5, were found at low prevalence and uncommon G/P combinations occurred at almost every study site. These data suggest that a rotavirus vaccine could substantially decrease the rotavirus disease burden in Argentina, but that introduction of a vaccine should be accompanied by a concurrent surveillance system. J. Med. Virol. 65:190–198, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.