title: Rotavirus surveillance in europe, 2005-2008: web-enabled reporting and real-time analysis of genotyping and epidemiological data.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The first European rotavirus surveillance network, EuroRotaNet, comprising 16 laboratories in 15 European countries, has been established.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fecal samples from gastroenteritis cases positive for group A rotavirus antigen were collected from multiple European countries from 2005 to mid-2008 and were subjected to G and P genotyping. Epidemiological data collected included age, sex, geographical location, setting, dates of onset and sample collection, and clinical symptoms.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 8879 rotavirus-positive samples were characterized: 2129 cases were from the 2005-2006 season, 4030 from the 2006-2007 season, and 2720 from the ongoing 2007-2008 season. A total of 30 different G and P type combinations of strains circulated in the region from 2005 through 2008. Of these strains, 90% had genotypes commonly associated with human infections-G1P[8], G2P[4], G3P[8], G4P[8], and G9P[8]-and 1.37% represented potential zoonotic introductions. G1P[8] remained the most prevalent genotype in Europe as a whole, but the incidence of infection with G1P[8] rotavirus strains was <50% overall, and all 3 seasons were characterized by a significant diversity of cocirculating strains. The peak incidence of rotavirus infection occurred from January through May, and 81% of case patients were aged <2.5 years. Conclusions. Data gathered through EuroRotaNet will provide valuable background information on the rotavirus strain diversity in Europe before the introduction of rotavirus vaccines, and the network will provide a robust method for surveillance during vaccine implementation.
authors.affiliation: Enteric Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, London, United Kingdom. miren.iturriza@hpa.org.uk
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mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D020407:Internet; D012401:Rotavirus / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics; D012400:Rotavirus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D012621:Seasons; D013997:Time Factors