Predominance of genotype P[9]G3 in rotavirus gastroenteritis in Polish children

Introduction

Rotavirus (RV) infection is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in children. This paper identifies the most common genotypes of rotaviruses isolated from children hospitalized with gastroenteritis and attempts to determine any relationship between infection with a certain rotavirus genotype.

Material and methods

The investigated group consisted of 68 consecutive children with rotavirus gastroenteritis (confirmed by an agglutination test). Rotavirus genotype was determined in stool samples obtained from each child.

Results

The P9]VP4 genotype was observed in 41/61 positive samples (over 67.2%) that were permanently associated with the G3 VP7 genotype. Moreover, G3 was determined as the most commonly isolated G type (77.94%). As well as the P9]G3 type, G3 was also found in the P4] type (5 cases). Twenty-six out of 61 (42.6%) children in whom rotavirus genotype was determined were co-infected with pathogenic bacteria. No statistical correlation was observed between rotavirus P9]G3 gastroenteritis and digestive tract co-infection with pathogenic bacteria (p > 0.05). Elevated ALT activity was found in 34/59 (57.6%) cases of rotavirus gastroenteritis. Elevated ALT serum level was found to correlate with P9]G3 rotavirus genotype but concomitant infections did not.

Conclusions

The most common genotype of rotaviruses observed in our group of children, P9]G3, has rarely been described. Co-infection of the digestive tract with pathogenic bacteria and elevated serum ALT concentrations were found to be the most frequent phenomena. A correlation between P9]G3 rotavirus genotype and elevated serum ALT level was found, but no significant relationship was identified between concomitant infections and P9]G3 genotype.