Gastroenteritis in rotavirus vaccinated infants in Belgium and Vietnam: the effect of maternal antibodies through breastfeading and the identification of (new) pathogens.

Gastroenteritis (GE) infections, among which rotavirus infections, do occur in infants vaccinated against rotavirus. This can either be the consequence of so-called breakthrough infections or due to the occurrence of GE caused by other (new) pathogens. A lower effectiveness of the rotavirus vaccine could be responsible for a breakthrough infection. Compared to industrialized countries, the effectiveness of rotavirus vaccine is much lower in developing countries and in countries in transition. A possible explanation could be found in the fact that breast milk of women living in these countries contains more antibodies against rotaviruses. These antibodies can have a negative influence on the mechanism of action of the vaccine. With this study we aim to examine whether we can observe a difference between children that are breastfed at the timepoint of vaccination, compared to children that receive formula feeding in both countries. Additionally, we will examine whether the interval between breastfeeding and vaccination plays a role.

Keywords:epidemology, gastroenteritis, breastfeeding, vaccination, maternal antibodies, Rotavirus

Disciplines:Microbiology, Systems biology, Laboratory medicine