High incidence of G9P[8] rotavirus infections in Italian children during the winter season 1999-2000

We report a significant high incidence of infection with G9P[8] rotavirus in Italian children during the winter epidemic season 1999-2000. The study was carried out on 439 children < 4 years hospitalized with acute diarrhea in Palermo. G9P[8] strains constituted 19% of all rotavirus identified and were not associated with more severe forms of gastroenteritis.