Genetic and epidemiological analysis of norovirus from children with gastroenteritis in Botswana, 2013-2015.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Norovirus is a leading cause of viral gastroenteritis worldwide with a peak of disease seen in children. The epidemiological analysis regarding the virus strains in Africa is limited. The first report of norovirus in Botswana was in 2010 and currently, the prevalence and circulating genotypes of norovirus are unknown, as the country has no systems to report the norovirus cases. This study investigated the prevalence, patterns and molecular characteristics of norovirus infections among children ≤5 years of age admitted with acute gastroenteritis at four hospitals in Botswana.

Methods

A total of 484 faecal samples were collected from children who were admitted with acute gastroenteritis during the rotavirus vaccine impact survey between July 2013 and December 2015.

SUBMITTER: Makhaola K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5975618 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature