Rotavirus P[4]G2 in a Vaccinated Population, Brazil
2008

Rotavirus P[4]G2 in a Vaccinated Population, Brazil

Sample size: 7 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Linhares Alexandre C., Velázquez F. Raúl

Primary Institution: Ministério da Saúde, Belém, Pará, Brazil

Hypothesis

The predominance of P[4]G2 strains in Aracaju is unrelated to vaccine use.

Conclusion

The study suggests that the live, oral, attenuated human rotavirus vaccine can protect against the predominance of P[4]G2 rotaviruses despite low vaccine coverage.

Supporting Evidence

  • Children <1 year of age showed a reduced risk for severe rotavirus diarrhea among vaccinated patients compared with nonvaccinated patients.
  • The vaccine does not afford complete protection against infection, but it can protect against the predominance of P[4]G2.
  • In a large phase III trial, a nonsignificant but protective trend was observed against severe disease associated with P[4]G2.
  • Protection against P[4]G2 rotavirus gastroenteritis of any severity was 81% in a subsequent meta-analysis.
  • The detection rate of rotavirus among severe diarrhea cases fell significantly after vaccine introduction.

Takeaway

This study looks at how a rotavirus vaccine works in kids in Brazil, showing it helps protect them even when some kids aren't vaccinated.

Methodology

The study involved comparing the incidence of severe rotavirus diarrhea in vaccinated and nonvaccinated children under 1 year of age.

Potential Biases

Potential misinterpretation of data regarding vaccine effectiveness due to low vaccine coverage.

Limitations

The study had a small sample size and a short surveillance period of only 4 months.

Participant Demographics

Children under 1 year of age in Aracaju, Brazil.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.20

Confidence Interval

0.029–1.24

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3201/eid1405.071426

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