The burden of hospitalised rotavirus infections in Fiji

• Published in: Vaccine Vol. 27; pp. F108 - F111
• Main Authors: Jenney, Adam, Tikoduadua, Lisi, Buadromo, Eka, Barnes, Graeme, Kirkwood, Carl D, Boniface, Karen, Bines, Julie, Mulholland, Kim, Russell, Fiona
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 20.11.2009
• Subjects: Age Distribution; Allergy and Immunology; Child, Hospitalized - statistics & numerical data; Child, Preschool; Cost of Illness; Diarrhea - epidemiology; Diarrhea - virology; Female; Fiji - epidemiology; Genotype; Humans; Incidence; Infant; Male; Population Surveillance; Rotavirus; Rotavirus - genetics; Rotavirus Infections - epidemiology; Surveillance; Vaccine; Fiji; CWMH; enzyme immunoassay; reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction; Rotavirus; Surveillance; RT-PCR; Colonial War Memorial Hospital; Vaccine; EIA; monoclonal antibody; MAb
• ISSN: 0264-410X; 1873-2518
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.08.071

Abstract Rotavirus is the most common cause of acute severe dehydrating diarrhoea in young children worldwide. We describe the burden of rotavirus disease and the rotavirus types causing it in the largest city in Fiji. During 2006 and 2007, 592 children under 5 years of age were admitted to hospital in Suva, Fiji with acute diarrhoea. Of the 454 children for whom a stool specimen was tested, 39% were positive for rotavirus and the predominant strain found was the serotype G3[P8]. There is a significant burden of disease due to rotavirus in Fiji and the introduction of rotavirus vaccines into the national immunization schedule may drastically reduce inpatient diarrhoeal disease.