Paediatrics (RCH) - Research Publications
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ItemRotavirus serotype G9P[8] and acute gastroenteritis outbreak in children, Northern Australia(CENTER DISEASE CONTROL, 2004-09-01)During 2001, an outbreak of severe acute gastroenteritis swept through Central and northern Australia and caused serious disruption to health services. We tracked and characterized the rotavirus strain implicated in the outbreak. Comparison of the electropherotypes of outbreak samples suggested that one G9P[8] strain was likely responsible for the outbreak. Samples were obtained from geographically distinct regions of Australia where the epidemic had occurred. The outbreak strains showed identical nucleotide sequences in genes encoding three rotavirus proteins, VP7, VP8, and NSP4, but they were distinct from G9P[8] strains isolated in previous years. Several of the amino acid substitutions on the VP7 and NSP4 proteins were identified in regions known to influence function and may have contributed to the emergence and increased dominance of the outbreak strains. Rotavirus serotype surveillance should continue with methods capable of identifying new and emerging types.
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ItemThe burden of hospitalised rotavirus infections in Fiji(ELSEVIER SCI LTD, 2009-11-20)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.