Background and aims: In anticipation of vaccine development this study sought to determine the incidence, disease burden and associated financial burden of rotavirus (RV) infection, in hospitalised children.
Methods: Prospective observational study in two Dublin paediatric centres.
Results: Of 663 confirmed infections, 485 (73%) patients were hospitalised with community acquired (CA) RV; 178 (27%) cases were hospital acquired (HA) RV. A total of 243 (50%) children were < 12 months of age, with peak incidence in the 6 to < 12 month age group. CA RV resulted in utilisation of 2,305 bed days, with a median bed stay of three days (range 1-91), representing a minimum cost of Euro176,637 per year to the hospitals. When nosocomial spread and secondary cases are included, this increases to Euro258,695 per year.
Conclusion: CA RV infection accounted for 1% of all admissions during the study period at a minimum cost of Euro728.40 per case. A safe and effective vaccine could reduce morbidity and advantage children by allowing redeployment of healthcare resources to other critical areas.