Epidemiology of rotavirus infections in children less than 5 years of age: Germany, 2001-2008.

摘要: Background: Rotavirus (RV) infection is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in young children worldwide. In 2006, 2 live-attenuated RV-vaccines became available for use infants ≤6 months age. Germany, a statutory notification system RV has been place since 2001 to monitor epidemiology. Our objective was assess disease burden German <5 years Methods: Detailed descriptive analysis national surveillance data age collected Germany between January and December 2008. Results: Between 2008, 72% all notified patients were The highest annual incidence (approximately, 200/10,000) <2 age-group, approximately 50% reported hospitalized those, 9% acquired nosocomially. Since 2004, total 8 as RV-associated deaths, case fatality due <0.01/10,000. Conclusions: high hospitalization results burden. Routine childhood vaccination would be measure reduce this age-group. However, cost-effectiveness analyses specific setting should considered decision-making process. An RV-surveillance that could potentially effect an RV-vaccination program once implemented.