| Abstract [eng] |
The thesis was elaborated at Vilnius University, Faculty of Medicine, Clinic of Children’s diseases in the collaboration with the Centre of Laboratory Diagnostics of Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Klinikos and Health Protection Agency, London, UK. The main purpose of the study was to determine the diversity of circulating rotavirus genotypes and clinical aspects of rotavirus disease, caused by isolated genotypes. Rotavirus is recognised as the most common etiological agent of childhood diarrhoea. Despite the fact that the health burden of rotavirus infection in Lithuania is uncertain, the problem remains relevant as the morbidity rates associated with rotavirus are high. A great diversity of rotavirus genotypes is observed worldwide. Unfortunately, epidemiological data of circulating RV strains in Lithuania were undiscovered. After recognition of the great diversity of rotavirus genotypes, clinical severity due to particular rotavirus strain generates huge interest for many scientists of the world. There are controversial data in scientific literature regarding the relationship between rotavirus disease severity and rotavirus genotypes. The absence of Lithuanian molecular rotavirus epidemiology data as well as unsolved discussion about relationship between rotavirus genotypes and clinical severity of the disease, necessitate the choice of present topic. This study is the first to provide representative data of circulating rotavirus genotypes in Lithuania. |
