Rotavirus infection is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in young children and infants worldwide. Each year, rotavirus causes approximately 114 million episodes of gastroenteritis requiring only home care, 25 million clinic visits, 2.4 million hospitalizations and 610.000 deaths in children under five years of age.Epidemiological knowledge concerning rotaviruses among infants and children is critical for the development of effective measures, including vaccines.