Pediatria pre prax 2/2007

ROTAVIRAL INFECTION, CURRENT POSSIBILITIES OF THE VACCINATION

Rotaviruses cause annually 111–125 million of illnesses leading to 0.5–1 million of deaths. As many as 2,837 sporadic cases and 820 cases from 23 outbreaks were reported to the Public Health Service in 2006 in the Czech Republic. No case was lethal. In 2006 4,815 rotavirus infection were laboratory confirmed in 80 laboratories of the Czech Republic. Specific morbidity among children under 3 years calculated on the laboratory data was 792 cases/100,000 population/year; among children under 5 years it was 697/100,000. With registration of 2 new vaccines (Rotarix, RotaTeq) it is realistic to gradually fulfil extended WHO immunisation programme that intends to introduce vaccinations against these infections. Both vaccines despite different properties confirm a high level of imunogenicity and protection. They are gradually introduced to the market not only in the European countries but also in other countries.

Keywords: Rotarix, RotaShield, RotaTeq, rotavirus infection, vaccination.