Rotavirus Quantification and Genotyping in Wastewater: A Molecular Surveillance Study in Italy (2024-2025).

ABSTRACT: Rotavirus remains a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide, particularly in young children, despite widespread vaccination efforts. This study aims to evaluate rotavirus circulation at the population level through wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE), offering a non-invasive, complementary approach to clinical surveillance. Between 2024 and 2025, a total of 172 composite 24 h samples were collected from eight urban wastewater treatment plants across Northern, Central, and Southern Italy. Viral RNA was concentrated by PEG precipitation and quantified using digital RT-PCR, while genotypes were determined via nested PCR targeting VP7 and VP4 genes. Rotavirus RNA was detected in 143 out of 172 samples (83.1%), with viral loads ranging between 4.2 × 10² to 7.3 × 10⁵

SUBMITTER: Bonanno Ferraro G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12565863 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature