[Morbidity and cost of rotavirus infections in France]

Abstract

Background: Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in children. Morbidity and mortality related to rotavirus infection is not well known in temperate countries in general, and in France in particular.

Objectives: The aim of this study was estimate the morbidity, mortality, and cost related to the rotavirus infection in France, in order to assess the potential impact of a vaccination program.

Methods: A birth cohort was followed until 5 years of age using a decision tree model. Rotavirus infection incidence rates were modeled according to age, seasons, and breast-feeding status.

Results: Based on estimates from a decision model, we found that in France, rotavirus infection was responsible for 300,000 annual episodes of acute diarrhea, 138,000 visits to general practitioners, 18,000 hospitalizations, and 9 deaths. The annual direct cost related to rotavirus infection care was estimated at 28 million euros.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates the high morbidity and cost of care associated with rotavirus infection in France. The decision tree model developed in this study could be used in the future to estimate the potential effectiveness, cost and cost-effectiveness of childhood vaccination strategies using new rotavirus vaccines.