Rotavirus

Question 1

Where is the greatest incidence of Rotavirus ?

Answer 1

Subsaharan Africa and India

Question 2

Does improved sanitation improve the situation?

Answer 2

No

Question 3

How many vaccines are available?

Answer 3

Rotatec- pentavalent- 3 doses at 2, 4 and 6 mos

Rotarix- monovalent- 2 doses

Question 4

Does the epidemiology differ between developed and developing countries?

Answer 4

Yes. In developing countries, the age group affected is 6-9 mos, the disease occurs year round not primarily in the winter, the strains are more diverse instead of 4 to 5 , coinfection is common, mortality is high and comorbidity tends to be present with HIV and Malnutrition.

Question 5

How effective is the vaccine?

Answer 5

85-96%

Question 6

What kind of virus is Rotavirus?

Answer 6

An Reoviridae, double stranded RNA

Question 7

What are the neutralizing antigens?

Answer 7

G and P proteins- they rearrange into 100 combinations.

Question 8

What is the side effect of the vaccine and when does it occur?

Answer 8

Intussusception in those receiving it after 6 mos.