Aims of EuroRotaNet:
- Develop methods and algorithms for effective rotavirus typing (G and P) and characterisation (including VP6 and NSP4 genotypes).
- Describe in detail the molecular epidemiology of rotavirus infections in Europe, during consecutive rotavirus seasons, through genotyping of rotavirus-positive samples collected throughout each country.
- Monitor the effectiveness of current genotyping methods and respond to evolutionary changes associated with genetic drift and shift.
- Monitor the emergence and spread of novel rotavirus strains within Europe.
- Develop the infrastructure that may serve as a platform for future surveillance activities and nested studies for evaluating:
- The effectiveness of a rotavirus vaccine in the general population, through monitoring the reduction in disease associated with common rotavirus types.
- The possible vaccine-induced emergence of antibody escape mutants.
- The possible emergence in the general population of genotypes other than those included in the vaccine.
- The possible emergence in the general population of reassortants between vaccine and naturally circulating wildtype strains.