Prevalence of Rotavirus Genotypes after Introduction of Monovalent Rotavirus Vaccine in Uzbekistan during 2014-2016

Introduction: Rotaviruses are one of the most leading causes of severe gastroenteritis in children less than five years of age worldwide. This study describes prevalence of rotavirus A (RVA) genotypes in Uzbekistan during for the period October-December in 2014 and2015-2016 after introduction of rotavirus vaccination. Methods: In total, 17546 stool specimens testing for the presence of rotavirus antigen by EIA was performed by using the Prospect Rotavirus Kit (Oxoid Ltd.UK). In total 318 EIA positive samples were randomly selected and genotyped by using one-step conventional reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RT-PCR was performed using a Qiagen One-Step RT-PCR kit (Qiagen, Inc., Valencia, CA) and Rotavirus Genotyping Oligonucleotide Primers (CDC, Atlanta). Results: The results showed a change in the circulating genotypes towards the prevalence of the genotype G2P[4] and a decrease in the prevalence of the genotype G1P[8]. Conclusion: The prevalence of the genotype G2P[4] is not necessarily due to vaccine escape, but can also occur in the course of the natural fluctuation of RVA genotypes, both geographically and temporally and this tendency requires further monitoring.