SURVEILLANCE STUDIES FOR ROTA VIRUS VACCINE IMPLICATION IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Rotavirus is known to be one of the five top most pathogens causing gastroenteritis globally, mostly in children age group of less than 5 years. Almost every child during this age experiences at least one episode of rotavirus gastroenteritis. Amongst the various diseases in children, diarrhea accounts for 10.8% of under-five mortality in Pakistan, making it a leading cause of death in this age group. Furthermore, Pakistan is one of the six countries that accounts for 50% of all rotavirus-related deaths worldwide. About one third of children hospitalized with severe gastroenteritis in urban centers in Pakistan are reported to have rotavirus infections. Although rotavirus diarrhea is endemic throughout the year in this region, however, seasonal peaks are also observed in August and December. There are potentially very effective new vaccines available to control rotavirus infections. Nevertheless, it is utmost important to determine the true burden of disease and the viral type strains prevailing in community before administering the vaccine. This information provides the basis of strategic judgments about the use of rotavirus vaccines.