Acute viral gastroenteritis following rotavirus vaccine implementation in Venezuela: Is rotavirus still a cause for concern?

At least one virus was found in 66 (44%) of the children with AGE, and in 12 (8.1%) of the control group (p < 0.0001), mostly under 24 months old. Norovirus and rotavirus prevailed significantly in the AGE group (19.3% and 18%, respectively) compared to the control group (4.7% and 0%, respectively) (p < 0.001). Astrovirus, adenovirus, and Aichi virus were found in 5.3% or less of the children. Malnutrition, lack of breastfeeding, absence of rotavirus vaccination, and lower socioeconomic status were more frequent among AGE children than in controls (p = 0.014). This study suggests that rotavirus continued circulating widely even after vaccine introduction. It emphasizes the importance of norovirus and other viruses (adenovirus, astrovirus, and Aichi virus) as potentially emerging causes of pediatric diarrhea. Future strategies for precise health management and prevention of viral diarrhea should include surveillance using molecular methods alongside sanitation efforts and measures to reduce poverty and malnutrition.