Molecular typing of rotaviruses in gastroenteritis cases detected in foreign-born children aged 0–5 years

OpenAlex · English

ABSTRACT Rotavirus is one of the causes of viral gastroenteritis in childhood. It is one of the most common causes of mortality and morbidity in developing countries. The objective of this study was to determine the molecular typing of rotaviruses in gastroenteritis cases detected in foreign-born children aged 0–5 years. Out of the 120 stool samples received by our laboratory between May 2022 and November 2023, samples from 74 patients who tested positive for rotavirus were included in the study. The study was carried out in the Microbiology Laboratory of Gaziantep University Şahinbey Research and Application Hospital. One Step RT-PCR was used for genotyping. Positivity rates were 32.4% for P4, 17.6% for P6, and 37.8% for P8. G genotypes were G1 in 32.4%, G4 in 18.9%, and G9 in 23% of the samples. P9 genotype was found in 9% of girls and 22% of boys ( P < 0.05). G1P[8] and G2P[4] genotypes were the most common genotypes in cases with rotavirus infection. Although there were common serotypes in the region, different serotypes were found in foreign-born children. IMPORTANCE Rotavirus gastroenteritis continues to pose a significant health challenge in early childhood, especially in developing regions where the burden of illness remains high. Understanding which rotavirus genotypes are circulating in a community is important for tracking epidemiological trends and improving preventive strategies, including vaccination programs. In areas such as Gaziantep, where migration has led to a growing population of foreign-born children, information on the molecular characteristics of rotavirus strains is still limited. By examining genotype distribution among foreign-born children aged 0–5 years, this study provides valuable data on circulating strains and helps clarify regional patterns, contributing to more effective surveillance and better-informed public health measures.