Australian Rotavirus Surveillance Program: Annual Report, 2017.

This research article provides an annual report on the types of rotavirus found in Australia in 2017, detailing that the most common strain was G2P[4] and highlighting multiple rotavirus outbreaks across the country.

Objective and Methodology

• The research article presents an annual report compiled by the Australian Rotavirus Surveillance Program with collaboration from laboratories all over Australia.
• The report’s objective is to present the genotypes of rotavirus from affected children and adults during the period from 1 January to 31 December 2017.
• To achieve this, 2,285 faecal specimens were referred for rotavirus G and P genotype analysis.

Results and Findings

• Of the 2,285 faecal samples, 1,103 cases were confirmed as rotavirus positive.
• Among these,1,014 samples were identified as wildtype rotavirus strains, while 89 samples were identified as rotavirus vaccine-like.
• Genotype analysis demonstrated that the dominant genotype across Australia was G2P[4], identified in 39% of samples.
• This was followed by equine-like G3P[8] and G8P[8], which were found in 25% and 16% of samples respectively.
• Multiple outbreaks of these three genotypes occurred across several regions in Australia during the same year.

National Immunisation Program

• In addition, 2017 marked a change in the Australian National Immunisation Program.
• Starting from 1 July that year, the program exclusively switched to the use of Rotarix, a vaccine used to prevent rotavirus gastroenteritis.