Rotavirus Infection: A Disease of the Past?

Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2015 Dec;29(4):617-35. doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2015.07.002. Epub 2015 Sep 1.

Abstract

Rotavirus infection is the most common cause of severe diarrhea disease in infants and young children worldwide. Vaccination is the only control measure likely to have a significant impact on the incidence of severe disease. Rotavirus vaccines have reduced the burden of disease in the United States and Europe and vaccine programs are being introduced in Asia and Africa where it is hoped that vaccine will have significant impact on severe infection. Long-term monitoring and strain surveillance are needed to assess the effects of rotavirus immunization programs and to determine whether changes in strain ecology will affect rotavirus vaccine effectiveness.

Keywords: Rotavirus; Rotavirus gastroenteritis; Rotavirus immunity; Rotavirus surveillance; Rotavirus vaccine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Africa / epidemiology
  • Asia / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Europe / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Herd
  • Immunization Programs
  • Incidence
  • Infant
  • Rotavirus / immunology
  • Rotavirus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Rotavirus Infections / immunology
  • Rotavirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Rotavirus Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Treatment Outcome
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • Rotavirus Vaccines