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To the Editor: Sapovirus (SaV) gastroenteritis (GE) occurs year-round, with the highest proportion from March through July predominantly affecting infants and toddlers [1, 2].
During 2016/2017, 150 children ≤ 3 y, presenting with vomiting and diarrhea were recruited in our region, and had their stool tested for adenovirus (AdV) DNA genome by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and by reverse transcription real-time PCR of RNA genome for rotavirus (RV), norovirus (NoV), astrovirus (AsV) and SaV, using the Roche MagNA Pure 96 as per manufacturer’s protocol [3]. Consent and ethical approval were obtained.
Vesikari scoring system assessed disease severity or virulence (Supplementary Table 1).
SaV was confirmed in 9 (6%) stool samples following RV, AdVF, and NoV. Six were male; 5 were ≤ 1 y of age; 6 severe, 2 moderate and 1 mild, with a peak of SaV infections noted during the first week of May (2 cases of the total 3 samples tested for viral pathogens).
Viral dual-infection was noted in two male infants, both severe. Triple infection with NoV GII and AdVF was confirmed in 1 case, and the second case was due to dual-infection with RVG1P[8] (Rotarix ™) which was detected about 16 d following the second dose of RV vaccine.
A small sample size from one region along with strict adherence to hygienic measures may have contributed to the absence of nosocomial SaV infections in our study.
Two short episodes of SaV infection, each lasting 2 wk in May and August were noted during 2016/2017, with one short SaV season, that started in November/December, peaked in December (12.5%), and lasted 5 wk. This may reflect an overestimation of the analysis due to the limitation of a small sample size of one geographical location.
For proper determination of SaV seasonal trends in our country, we would recommend further research covering larger sites with greater sample size.
References
Dennehy PH. Viral gastroenteritis in children. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2011;30:63–4.
Chhabra P, Payne DC, Szilagyi PG, et al. Etiology of viral gastroenteritis in children <5 years of age in the United States, 2008-2009. J Infect Dis. 2013;208:790–800.
Tiemessen CT, Nel MJ. Detection and typing of subgroup F adenoviruses using the polymerase chain reaction. J Virol Methods. 1996;59(1–2):73–82.
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Barsoum, Z. Pediatric Sapovirus Gastroenteritis in Ireland—Disease Virulence, Viral Dual-Infection, and Regional Seasonal Trends. Indian J Pediatr 88, 612 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-021-03711-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-021-03711-x