Rotavirus Burden and Genotypes in a Sentinel Hospital Surveillance System in Lebanon

Primary Outcome Measures:

• Estimating the incidence of rotavirus gastroenteritis associated hospitalization in children < 5 years of age [ Time Frame: 2 years ]
  

Secondary Outcome Measures:

• Identifying the most prevalent RV genotypes in the target population included in the surveillance program [ Time Frame: 2 years ]
  
• Estimating the proportion of diarrheal hospitalization due to RV in children < 5 years of age. [ Time Frame: 2 years ]
  
• Determining the age and seasonal distribution of RV associated hospitalizations in children < 5 years of age [ Time Frame: 2 years ]
  
• Determining seasonal changes and year-to-year changes with respect to predominant RV genotypes [ Time Frame: 2 years ]
  

This study will be performed at six large hospitals in Lebanon in the three largest cities Beirut, Tripoli, and Saida. The study will enroll children younger than 5 years of age who are admitted to the hospital because of gastroenteritis. Enrollment will continue for a period of two years at each hospital. Inclusion criteria are age < 5 years, with gastroenteritis as the main reason for admission to the hospital or for a stay in the Emergency Department longer than 12 hours. Exclusion criteria include onset of symptoms beyond 12 hours of admission (health-care associated infection). For all enrolled subjects, data will be collected about severity of illness, outcome, and history of vaccination. Stool samples will be collected for genotyping of rotavirus.