Review for 10.1186/s12876-019-1025-x (2019)

Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title: Molecular and serologic characterization of rotavirus from children with acute  
gastroenteritis in Northern Iran, Gorgan  
 
Version: 0 Date: 14 May 2019  
 
Reviewer: Ben Woolbright  
 
Reviewer's report:  
 
This paper defines a rotavirus infection population in Northern Iran using multiple assays. The 
manuscript is highly descriptive, but they argue that these studies can help inform WHO and 
other organizations looking to perform vaccination.  This seems like a logical choice and thus the 
paper may have value. A few concerns remain.  
 
The patient populationsis not well described. If the authors could give exact n values, ages, etc… 
as a table it would be beneficial to the reader.  
 
There are quite a few grammatical errors. These detract from an otherwise well written 
manuscript. The authors are advised to have a native English speaker revise the manuscript for 
grammatical errors.  
 
 
Are the methods appropriate and well described?  
If not, please spe cify what is required in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Does the work include the necessary controls?  
If not, please specify which controls are required in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data show n? 
If not, please explain in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Are you able to assess any statistics in the manuscript or would you recommend an  
additional statistical review?  
If an additional statistical review is recommended, please specify what aspects require further  
assessment in your comments to the editors.  
 
I am able to assess the statistics  
 
Quality of written English  
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscr ipt: 
 
Needs some language corrections before being published  
 
Declaration of competing interests  
Please complete a declaration of competing interests, considering the following questions:  
 
1. Have you in the past five years received reimbursements, fees, fund ing, or salary from an  
organisation that may in any way gain or lose financially from the publication of this  
manuscript, either now or in the future?  
 
2. Do you hold any stocks or shares in an organisation that may in any way gain or lose  
financially from the publication of this manuscript, either now or in the future?  
 
3. Do you hold or are you currently applying for any patents relating to the content of the  
manuscript?  
 
4. Have you received reimbursements, fees, funding, or salary from an organization that  
holds  or has applied for patents relating to the content of the manuscript?  
 
5. Do you have any other financial competing interests?  
 
6. Do you have any non -financial competing interests in relation to this paper?  
 
If you can answer no to all of the above, w rite 'I declare that I have no competing interests' 
below.  If your reply is yes to any, please give details below.  
 
I declare that I have no competing interests  
 
I agree to the open peer review policy of the journal. I understand that my name will be include d 
on my report to the authors and, if the manuscript is accepted for publication, my named report  
including any attachments I upload will be posted on the website along with the authors'  
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which I do not wish to be included in my named report can be included as  confidential comments  
to the editors, which will not be published.  
 
I agree to the open peer review policy of the journal