[From structural and antigenic features of the rotavirus to the development of the vaccines]

Abstract

Rotaviruses are the main etiologic agent of severe acute diarrhoea in children under the age of 5, world-wide. Given that the currently available preventive measures to fight against the transmission of RV disease are not sufficiently effective, vaccination likely represents the only efficacious adapted response to the massive impact of this infection. Two RV vaccines (RotaTeq and Rotarix) have recently been developed and licensed in the United States and in Europe. The development of these two vaccines has followed two different strategies. Despite their differences, these vaccines are both safe and efficient in protecting young infants against severe rotavirus acute gastroenteritis.