Background: Rotavirus remains a leading cause of severe acute gastroenteritis (AGE) among children worldwide. Following the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine into Uzbekistan's national immunization program, it is crucial to monitor the changing epidemiology of the disease. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological characteristics of rotavirus infection among children hospitalized in the Andijan region. Methods: A retrospective, hospital-based study was conducted at the Andijan Regional Infectious Diseases Hospital. The medical records of all children under five years of age hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed rotavirus gastroenteritis from January 2018 to December 2025 were analyzed. Data on demographic characteristics (age, sex), seasonality, and clinical features were extracted. Statistical analysis was performed to describe trends and identify high-risk groups. Results: A total of 1,250 cases of laboratory-confirmed rotavirus hospitalizations were identified during the study period. A significant decline in the annual number of hospitalizations was observed, from 280 cases in 2018 to 95 cases in 2025. The highest burden of disease was in children aged 6-24 months, who accounted for 72% of all cases. A distinct seasonal peak was identified during the colder months, from November to March, which accounted for over 65% of annual cases. The male-to-female ratio was 1.3:1. Conclusion: The epidemiological profile of rotavirus in the Andijan region shows a clear seasonality and a primary impact on infants and toddlers. The observed decline in hospitalizations strongly suggests a positive impact of the national rotavirus vaccination program. Continued surveillance is essential to monitor long-term vaccine effectiveness and ensure sustained high vaccination coverage to further reduce the disease burden.

Rotavirus, gastroenteritis, epidemiology, children, vaccination, seasonality, Uzbekistan.

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