Molecular characterization of rotavirus strains from children with acute gastroenteritis (Lombardy, 2008-2010)

As part of the RotaNet-Italy Study Group, the Italian component of the EuroRotaNet, in the period 2008-2010 we gathered the stool samples of 370 children (age: rus commercial rapid test. The molecular characterization of rotavirus strains was performed at ISS, which is the coordinator of the rotavirus surveillance project in Italy [Ruggeri, 2011]. Approximately 1% of all samples were negative and were detected only in the 2008-2009 season. In all three years, the most frequent combination was G1P[8] (45%, range: 36-53%). The other “common” genotypes observed were: G9P[8] (25%, range: 20-28%), G4P[8] (13%, range: 7-16%), G3P[8] (6%, range: 4-8%) and G2P[4] (4%, range: 2-5%), according to data from other Italian regions and European countries. “Uncommon” associations were detected only in 2008-2009: two G10P[8], one G2P[8]. Mixed infections were frequent, being identified in average 8% of cases (range: 6-9%) over the years and “common” G1 and P[8] types were mostly involved. Since new strains could have antigenic and virulence characteristics that could cause more severe diseases, it is important to investigate the nature of these associations. Therefore it is necessary to carry on and improve, through increased adhesion, the RotaNet programs of circulating strains monitoring both for epidemiological surveillance and vaccine implementation. References. [1] Ruggeri F.M., Delogu R., Petouchoff T., Tcheremenskaia O., De Petris S., Fiore L., and the RotaNet-Italy Study Group, Molecular characterization of rotavirus strains from children with diarrhea in Italy, 2007-2009. J. Med. Virol., 2011; In press.