Rotavirus gastroenteritis in uzbekistan: implications for vaccine policy in central Asia.
BACKGROUND
To determine the value of rotavirus vaccines in Central Asia, we conducted surveillance of rotavirus in Uzbekistan, the country with the largest birth cohort in the region. Uzbekistan is eligible for international funds to introduce new vaccines.


METHODS
We screened stool samples for rotavirus that were collected from children aged <5 years with gastroenteritis in 2 hospitals during 2005-2006. Using surveillance information and other data, we estimated national numbers of rotavirus-associated events per year.


RESULTS
Of 3537 enrolled children, 1046 (30%) had rotavirus detected in stool specimens. Children aged <2 years accounted for 841 (80%) of all rotavirus infections. The G1P[8] genotype was identified in 27 (52%) of 52 typed samples collected in 2005. Rotavirus is estimated to cause 1174-1857 deaths and 6394-6558 hospitalizations among children aged <5 years annually. The cumulative risk of hospitalization for rotavirus by age 5 years is 1 in 94-96 children, and the risk of rotavirus-related death is 1 in 330-524 children.


CONCLUSIONS
One-third of all hospitalizations for gastroenteritis and almost 5% of all deaths among children aged <5 years in Uzbekistan may be attributable to rotavirus. Introduction of rotavirus vaccines into the national immunization program at the current subsidized prices could be cost-effective.
Flem
Elmira T
ET
Division of Infectious Disease Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway. elmira.flem@fhi.no
Musabaev
Erkin
E
Juraev
Rivojiddin
R
Kerin
Tara
T
Gentsch
Jon
J
Glass
Roger I
RI
Bresee
Joseph S
JS
D002675:Child, Preschool; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005759:Gastroenteritis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D012401:Rotavirus / Q000145:classification; D012400:Rotavirus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D022243:Rotavirus Vaccines / Q000276:immunology*; D014610:Uzbekistan / Q000453:epidemiology
D022243:Rotavirus Vaccines