Temperature-dependent transmission of rotavirus in Great Britain and The Netherlands

Abstract

In Europe, rotavirus gastroenteritis peaks in late winter or early spring suggesting a role for weather factors in transmission of the virus. In this study, multivariate regression models adapted for time-series data were used to investigate effects of temperature, humidity and rainfall on reported rotavirus infections and the infection-rate parameter, a derived measure of infection transmission that takes into account population immunity, in England, Wales, Scotland and The Netherlands. Delayed effects of weather were investigated by introducing lagged weather terms into the model. Meta-regression was used to pool together country-specific estimates. There was a 13 per cent (95% confidence interval (CI), 11 -15%) decrease in reported infections per 18C increase in temperature above a threshold of 58C and a 4 per cent (95% CI, 3 -5%) decrease in the infection-rate parameter per 18C increase in temperature across the whole temperature range. The effect of temperature was immediate for the infection-rate parameter but delayed by up to four weeks for reported infections. There was no overall effect of humidity or rainfall. There is a direct and simple relationship between cold weather and rotavirus transmission in Great Britain and The Netherlands. The more complex and delayed temperature effect on disease incidence is likely to be mediated through the effects of weather on transmission.

Detection of rotavirus infection in children with gastroenteritis attending three selected hospitals in Kano metropolis, Nigeria

“…The differences in the incidence rates could be primarily explained by the differences in target population, age groups that were investigated in each study, place and duration of each study, seasonal variation and size of sample of each study. In addition, it could be due to the influence of environmental conditions, hygiene practice, and level of sanitation as documented in studies by Atchison et al (2010), Levy et al (2009), Chandranet al (2006 and Ansari et al (1991) The findings of this study further revealed that the rate of rotavirus infections decreases with increase in the ages of the children (though not consistent) as most of the lowest number of positive cases, or even negative samples were found among the older age groups. For example, the highest number of positive cases of 9/21 (42.9%) was found among children aged 7 -12 months and the lowest rate of 0.5% was seen in two children, one aged 31 -36 months and the other 13 -48 months.…”

Molecular Epidemiology of Rotavirus in Cats in the United Kingdom

“…It was more common in the summer months, contrasting with the pattern observed in people and cattle in the United Kingdom, where rotavirus is considered a cold weather disease (32,47,48). In worldwide surveillance studies, country income level is a more reliable predictor of infection than is latitude or geographical location.…”

Impact of Rainfall on Diarrheal Disease Risk Associated with Unimproved Water and Sanitation

“…38,39 The 5-week period is also several times longer than the incubation periods of rotavirus, E. coli, and often, Giardia, allowing enough time for secondary transmission events to noticeably affect diarrhea prevalence. 15,40 This study was carried out over a 6-month period (from the beginning to the end of a rainy season). It is possible that the overall decline in diarrhea from the beginning to the end of the rainy season was the result of a reporting bias.…”