Rotavirus A Infections in Community Childhood Diarrhea in the Brazilian Semiarid Region During Postvaccination Era

ABSTRACT Background: Rotavirus A (RVA) is one of the leading causes of acute gastroenteritis worldwide; however, few studies assessed RVA genetics with community surveillance. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate clinical data, genetic diversity, and coinfection patterns of RVA infections in children from 2 to 36 months old with or without community childhood diarrhea in the Brazilian semiarid region during postvaccination era. Methods: We enrolled and collected socioeconomic/clinical information using a standardized questionnaire and fecal samples from 291 children. Viral RNA samples were extracted and analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to establish the diagnosis of RVA. Sequencing of VP7 and VP4 (VP8*) regions and phylogenetic analysis were performed. Results: RVA‐negative diagnosis was associated with children 24 to 36 months old with complete vaccination schedule. Genotype G1P[8] was the most prevalent (57%), whereas unusual genotypes including G1P[4], G2P[8], and G3P[9] were also detected. G1‐ and P[8]‐positive samples showed high degrees of similarity with the vaccine strain. RVA coinfections were frequently observed, and enteroaggregative Escherichia coli was the most prevalent copathogen. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that genotype G1P[8] is the most prevalent strain. VP7 and/or VP8* gene segments arising from RV1 vaccine strain were documented in these children, suggesting shedding or herd vaccination. Moreover, our study indicates full vaccination is important for protection against RVA infections.