title: Temporal distribution of rotavirus G-serotypes in the West Midlands region of the United Kingdom, 1983-1994.
abstract: Samples of rotavirus from cases of acute gastroenteritis, occurring in the West Midlands region of the United Kingdom during the winter months of 1983 to 1994, were tested by enzyme-immunoassay for G-serotype (VP7). Statistically significant changes in the relative prevalence of serotypes occurred each year (p-values in chi-square tests were: p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). No consistent pattern was associated with these changes. G1, G2, G3, and G4 were the most common serotypes detected throughout the study period, accounting for 93.2%. Serotypes G5, G8, and G10 were detected in 0.4% samples, and serotypes other than G1 to G4 were detected in 6.8% samples. Thus, the rotavirus serotypes are less diverse here compared to other locations. These data are important for the development of an appropriate rotavirus vaccine.
authors.affiliation: Regional Virus Laboratory, Public Health Laboratory, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, UK.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Beards
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Graham
mesh_terms: D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005759:Gastroenteritis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007223:Infant; D015995:Prevalence; D012401:Rotavirus / Q000145:classification*; D012400:Rotavirus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012703:Serotyping; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology