Abstract
Background
Rotavirus remains a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) among children under five years, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Despite the introduction of rotavirus vaccination under the Universal Immunization Programme in India, the disease continues to contribute significantly to pediatric morbidity. Region-specific data from Uttarakhand, especially in the post-vaccination era, remain limited.Objectives
To evaluate the clinico-epidemiological profile, associated risk factors, and genotype distribution of rotavirus infection among children under five years presenting with AGE.Methods
A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 2022 to 2024 at a tertiary care center in Uttarakhand. Stool samples from 202 children with AGE were screened using a rapid immunochromatographic test (ICT) and subsequently tested by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). EIA-positive specimens were subjected to RT-PCR-based genotyping of the VP7 (G type) and VP4 (P type) genes. Demographic, clinical, and environmental data were collected and analyzed using SPSS, with pResults
Rotavirus antigen was detected in 42/202 (20.8%) specimens by ICT and 37/202 (18.3%) by EIA; five weakly ICT-positive specimens were EIA-negative. The highest positivity was observed in children aged 7-24 months. A significantly higher proportion of rotavirus-positive cases had ≥6 episodes of diarrhea per day compared to negative cases (78.4% vs 42.4%, pConclusion
Rotavirus continues to be a significant cause of AGE among children under five years in Uttarakhand. The predominance of G1P[6] and strong association with modifiable risk factors highlight the need for improved vaccination coverage, better hygiene practices, and continuous molecular surveillance.