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[Rotavirus infection in children seen at a greater Buenos Aires hospital]
S Uriarte1, J Gómez, L Scolaro
1Depto. de Química Biológica, FCEyN, UBA, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Insights
Rotavirus infection affected 38.8% of children in Argentina, peaking in colder months. Infants aged 6-23 months were most impacted by this common viral gastroenteritis.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Rotavirus infection is a significant cause of pediatric gastroenteritis globally.
- Diagnosis and surveillance are crucial for managing outbreaks and understanding disease burden.
Purpose:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of rotavirus infection in children attending Hospital B. Houssay, Argentina.
- To identify demographic and seasonal patterns of rotavirus gastroenteritis.
Summary:
- Stool samples from 134 children were analyzed using the Rotazyme II Diagnostic Kit.
- A 38.8% positivity rate was observed, with higher incidence in 1994 (30/84) than 1995 (22/50).
- Peak infection occurred during colder months, primarily affecting children aged 6-23 months, with no gender-based differences. Viral RNA analysis revealed 7 distinct long electropherotypes.
Impact:
- Provides epidemiological data on rotavirus in a specific Argentinian population.
- Highlights the importance of age and season in rotavirus infection patterns.
- Contributes to understanding rotavirus diversity through electropherotype analysis.
Abstract:
In order to diagnose rotavirus infection, stool samples from 134 children assisted at the Hospital B. Houssay, Vte. López, Pcia. de Buenos Aires, Argentina, have been analysed employing the Rotazyme II Diagnostic Kit (Abbot Lab.). The percentage of positive samples reached 38.8% detecting 30 and 22 positive samples in 1994 (n(o) = 84) and 1995 (n(o) = 50), respectively. The frequency of the agent peaked during the cold season of the year. The age group between 6 and 23 months was the most affected, whereas the lowest percentage of viral identification was detected in children under 6 months. No differences were detected due to the gender of children. Viral RNA analysis pointed out 7 different electropherotypes, all of them showing long electropherotype patterns.