Multicenter, Hospital‐Based Surveillance of Rotavirus Disease and Strains among Indian Children Aged <5 Years

Abstract

BackgroundCurrent, nationally representative data on rotavirus disease burden and rotavirus strains in India are needed to understand the potential health benefits of rotavirus vaccination MethodsThe Indian Rotavirus Strain Surveillance Network was established with 4 laboratories and 10 hospitals in 7 different regions of India. At each hospital, children aged ResultsFrom December 2005 through November 2007, rotavirus was found in ∼39% of 4243 enrolled patients. Rotavirus was markedly seasonal in northern temperate locations but was less seasonal in southern locations with a tropical climate. Rotavirus detection rates were greatest among children aged 6–23 months, and 13.3% of rotavirus infections involved children aged ConclusionsThese data highlight the need for development and implementation of effective prophylactic measures, such as vaccines, to prevent the large burden of rotavirus disease among Indian children