Rotavirus gastroenteritis and strain diversity in Saudi Arabia. Current status and future prospects

OBJECTIVE: To determine the epidemiological profile and strain diversity in the light of recent published studies to provide an updated comprehensive picture of the significance of the effect of this virus in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS: The epidemiology, disease burden, and strain diversity of rotavirus in Saudi Arabia were reviewed using 22 studies of rotavirus and the etiology of diarrhea. We reviewed the studies conducted between 1982 and 2005 as well as the 2 recently published studies in 2008. This study took place in King Fahd Hospital, Maddina, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

RESULTS: In Saudi Arabia, a review published in 2006 showed that rotavirus prevalence ranged from 10-46%, with a median prevalence of 30% of cases of gastroenteritis. Recent studies in the country however showed a lower detection rates (18% and 12%). These 2 studies described the distribution of G and P types of rotavirus circulating in Saudi Arabia and demonstrated the presence of serotype G1-G4, G9, G12, P[4], P[6], and P[8].

CONCLUSION: These results have importance regarding a future rotavirus immunization strategies in Saudi Arabia, and underscore the need for a countrywide monitoring a rotavirus G- and P-types before the introduction of a rotavirus vaccine.