Molecular characterization of rotavirus indicates predominance of G9P[4] genotype among children with acute gastroenteritis: First report after vaccine introduction in Pakistan

Abstract

Globally, Group A rotavirus (RVA) is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in children under 5 years old, with Pakistan having the highest rates of RVA‐related morbidity and mortality. The current study aims to determine the genetic diversity of rotavirus and evaluate the impact of Rotarix‐vaccine introduction on disease epidemiology in Pakistan. A total of 4749 children, hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis between 2018 and 2020, were tested at four hospitals in Lahore and Karachi. Of the total, 19.3% (918/4749) cases were tested positive for RVA antigen, with the positivity rate varying annually (2018 = 22.7%, 2019 = 14.4%, 2020 = 20.9%). Among RVA‐positive children, 66.3% were under 1 year of age. Genotyping of 662 enzyme‐linked immuno sorbent assay‐positive samples revealed the predominant genotype as G9P[4] (21.4%), followed by G1P[8] (18.9%), G3P[8] (11.4%), G12P[6] (8.7%), G2P[4] (5.7%), G2P[6] (4.8%), and 10.8% had mixed genotypes. Among vaccinated children, genotypes G9P[4] and G12P[6] were more frequently detected, whereas a decline in G2P[4] was observed. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the continued circulation of indigenous genotypes detected earlier in the country except G9 and P[6] strains. Our findings highlight the predominance of G9P[4] genotype after the vaccine introduction thus emphasizing continual surveillance to monitor the disease burden, viral diversity, and their impact on control of rotavirus gastroenteritis in children.