Rotavirus genotype distribution in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, 2007-2009.

This is the first study to present rotavirus genotype distribution in children admitted to a hospital with acute gastroenteritis in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan from January 2007 through December 2009. In total, 858 rotavirus ELISA-positive samples were characterized by RT-PCR, with a considerable geographical and seasonal variation in genotype distribution observed during the study. The globally common genotypes (G1P[8], G2P[4], G3P[8], G4P[8], G9P[8], G12P[8] and G12P[6]) accounted for 81.

Epidemiology and burden of rotavirus disease in Central Asia.

Background: Rotavirus infection is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in children worldwide. New rotavirus vaccines are not currently used in the five countries that make up the Central Asian region. Three of these countries, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, have a combined total population of 48 million and an estimated 1 million annual births.

Rotavirus gastroenteritis in uzbekistan: implications for vaccine policy in central Asia.

Background: To determine the value of rotavirus vaccines in Central Asia, we conducted surveillance of rotavirus in Uzbekistan, the country with the largest birth cohort in the region. Uzbekistan is eligible for international funds to introduce new vaccines.

Methods: We screened stool samples for rotavirus that were collected from children aged <5 years with gastroenteritis in 2 hospitals during 2005-2006.