Rotavirus disease and vaccination: impact on genotype diversity.
Temporal and spatial fluctuations in the genotype distribution of human rotaviruses are continuously observed in surveillance studies. New genotypes, such as G9 and G12, have emerged and spread worldwide in a very short time span. In addition, reassortment events have the potential to contribute substantially to genetic diversity among human and animal rotaviruses. With the recent introduction of the two rotavirus vaccines, RotaTeq and Rotarix, in many countries, it appears that the total number of hospitalizations due to rotavirus infections is being reduced, at least in developed countries that implemented a universal immunization program. However, continued surveillance is warranted, especially regarding the long-term effects of the vaccines. No data analyses are available to clarify whether rotavirus vaccine introduction would allow other rotavirus P and G genotypes, which are not covered by the current vaccines, to emerge into the human population and fill the apparent gap. This kind of data analysis is essential, but its interpretation is hampered by natural and cyclical genotype fluctuations.
Matthijnssens
Jelle
J
Laboratory of Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. jelle.matthijnssens@uz.kuleuven.ac.be
Bilcke
Joke
J
Ciarlet
Max
M
Martella
Vito
V
Bányai
Krisztián
K
Rahman
Mustafizur
M
Zeller
Mark
M
Beutels
Philippe
P
Van Damme
Pierre
P
Van Ranst
Marc
M
D000818:Animals; D014644:Genetic Variation; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D012401:Rotavirus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology*; D012400:Rotavirus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000821:virology; D022243:Rotavirus Vaccines / Q000276:immunology*
D022243:Rotavirus Vaccines