Rotavirus infections and their genotype distribution pre- and post-vaccine introduction in Ethiopia: a systemic review and meta-analysis
1
Medical Laboratory Sciences, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A491
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Rotavirus remains a leading cause of severe diarrhea, illness, and death among children under five worldwide. Although rotavirus vaccination has been implemented globally for over a decade, the disease continues to cause substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly in low-income countries such as Ethiopia. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively assess the prevalence of rotavirus infection before and after vaccine introduction and to describe the circulating genotypes among Ethiopian children under five with diarrhea.
METHODS:
The review followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Epistemonikos databases for studies published up to November 30, 2023. Eligible studies focused on rotavirus infection rates and genotype distribution in Ethiopia during both pre- and post-vaccine periods. Data were organized using EndNote 2020 and Excel 2010. A random-effects model was applied to calculate the pooled prevalence with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed using Q and I² statistics, and publication bias was evaluated through funnel plots and Egger’s test.
RESULTS:
Nine eligible studies conducted across various regions of Ethiopia were included. The pooled prevalence of rotavirus infection was 22.63% (1362/6039), indicating a substantial disease burden. Before vaccine introduction, the predominant genotypes were G1, G2, G3, G12, P[4], P[6], P[8], P[9], and P[10]. Following vaccine rollout, G3 and P[8] remained the most prevalent strains. These patterns demonstrate ongoing rotavirus circulation and genotype diversity despite vaccination efforts.
CONCLUSIONS:
This study strengthens the evidence base for targeted public health actions against rotavirus in Ethiopia. Although vaccination has been introduced, significant genotype variability and persistent infection rates underscore the need to enhance immunization coverage, monitor circulating strains, and optimize vaccine strategies to reduce the disease burden among Ethiopian children.
Rotavirus remains a leading cause of severe diarrhea, illness, and death among children under five worldwide. Although rotavirus vaccination has been implemented globally for over a decade, the disease continues to cause substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly in low-income countries such as Ethiopia. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively assess the prevalence of rotavirus infection before and after vaccine introduction and to describe the circulating genotypes among Ethiopian children under five with diarrhea.
METHODS:
The review followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Epistemonikos databases for studies published up to November 30, 2023. Eligible studies focused on rotavirus infection rates and genotype distribution in Ethiopia during both pre- and post-vaccine periods. Data were organized using EndNote 2020 and Excel 2010. A random-effects model was applied to calculate the pooled prevalence with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed using Q and I² statistics, and publication bias was evaluated through funnel plots and Egger’s test.
RESULTS:
Nine eligible studies conducted across various regions of Ethiopia were included. The pooled prevalence of rotavirus infection was 22.63% (1362/6039), indicating a substantial disease burden. Before vaccine introduction, the predominant genotypes were G1, G2, G3, G12, P[4], P[6], P[8], P[9], and P[10]. Following vaccine rollout, G3 and P[8] remained the most prevalent strains. These patterns demonstrate ongoing rotavirus circulation and genotype diversity despite vaccination efforts.
CONCLUSIONS:
This study strengthens the evidence base for targeted public health actions against rotavirus in Ethiopia. Although vaccination has been introduced, significant genotype variability and persistent infection rates underscore the need to enhance immunization coverage, monitor circulating strains, and optimize vaccine strategies to reduce the disease burden among Ethiopian children.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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