Molecular Epidemiology and Genotypic Characterization of Rotavirus Among Children Under Five Years Age with Acute Diarrheal Illness in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Date
2025-08-04
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: In Children Under Five Years, Diarrhea Is the Second Most Common Cause of Mortality Worldwide. Various Enteric Pathogens Are Responsible for Diarrhea, Including Viruses, Bacteria, And Parasites. Among The Viral Etiologies, Rotavirus Is the Leading Cause of Diarrheal Illness in Children. The Rotavirus-Associated Diarrheal Illness Is Highest in Sub Saharan Africa, South Asia, And Southeast Asian Countries. Rotavirus A Is Categorized in to Several G And P Genotypes Based on Vp7 and Vp4, respectively. The Most Common Genotypes Associated with Human Infection Globally Are G1p [8], G2p [4], G3p [8], G4p [8], G9p [8] And G12p [8].
Objectives: To Determine Molecular Epidemiology and Identify Circulating Genotypes of Rotavirus Among Children Under Five Years with Acute Diarrheal Illness in Selected Health Facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Methods: A Cross-Sectional Study Design Was Conducted in Selected Health Facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, From September 2023 to January 2025. A Total Of 200 Children with Acute Diarrheal Illness Were Recruited Using a Convenience Sampling Technique. After Obtaining Consent, Caregivers Were Interviewed with a Structured, Pre-Validated Questionnaire for Sociodemographic Status, and 5 Ml of Stool Specimens Were Collected from the Study Participants. The Stools Were Tested for Rotavirus Using the Taqman Array Card -Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction, Including Genotype Identification. Data Was Entered into Epidata Version 4.7 And Analyzed Using Spss Version 25 Software. The Results Were Presented Using Tables and Interpreted Using Chi-Square and Odds Ratio.
Results: Of The 200 Stool Specimens Collected from the Children, Rotavirus Was Detected In 45 (22.5%) Samples. Thirteen G-P Genotype Combinations Have Been Identified, G1p [4], G2p [4], G3p [8], G8p [4], G9[P4], G9p [8], G2p [6], G12p [8], G10p [8], G4p [8], G1p [8], G8p [8], And G8p [6] Are the Circulating Genotypes Among the Population. Out Of These, Three New Genotypes, G8p [4], G10p [8], And G4p [8] Were Detected for The First Time in Ethiopia. Factors Associated with Rotavirus Diarrhea Were Analyzed. Generally, Only Two Factors (Vomiting and Vaccination Status) Were Statistically Significantly Associated with Rotavirus Positivity; While Other Child Related Associated Factors Were Not Significantly Correlated with Rotavirus Infection.
Conclusion: This Study Provides an Important Insight into the Updated Prevalence, Circulating Genotypes and the Emergence of New Genotypes of Rotavirus Among the Population. These Findings Underline That Despite the Presence of the Rotarix Vaccine in the Country, Rotavirus Remains a Significant Etiologic Agent for Acute Gastroenteritis. Therefore, Continuous Rotavirus Surveillance and Implementation of Prevention and Control Strategies Are Crucial to Reduce the Burden of Rotavirus-Related Diarrheal Illness.
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Keywords
Rotavirus, Genotypic characterization, Molecular epidemiology, Acute diarrheal illness, Ethiopia