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Human rotavirus subgroups and severity of associated diarrhoea in Ghana

George E. Armah1, Hiroki Hori, Akwasi Anyanful

  • 1Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, P. O. Box 25, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.

African Journal of Health Sciences
|November 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Human rotavirus (HRV) infections caused 16.3% of acute diarrhea cases in Ghanaian children. HRV was linked to severe diarrhea but less vomiting, with subgroup II and serotypes 1 and 4 being most common.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Virology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Acute diarrhea is a leading cause of childhood illness globally.
  • Rotavirus is a major viral pathogen responsible for severe diarrhea in infants and young children.
  • Understanding local rotavirus epidemiology is crucial for developing effective control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of human rotavirus (HRV) infection in children with acute diarrhea in Accra, Ghana.
  • To identify the clinical characteristics associated with HRV infection.
  • To characterize the HRV subgroups and serotypes prevalent in the study population.

Main Methods:

  • A 12-month prospective study was conducted in two hospitals in Accra, Ghana.
  • Stool samples were collected from children presenting with acute diarrhea.
  • Human rotavirus infection was detected, and subgroup/serotype analysis was performed. RNA electrophoresis was used to analyze HRV strains.

Main Results:

  • 16.3% of children with acute diarrhea were infected with HRV.
  • HRV infection was significantly associated with severe diarrhea.
  • Vomiting was less frequent in HRV-associated diarrhea compared to non-HRV diarrhea. Subgroup II HRV, particularly serotypes 1 and 4, was predominant. Seven distinct RNA electrophoretic patterns were observed.

Conclusions:

  • Human rotavirus is a significant cause of acute diarrhea in children in Accra, Ghana.
  • Clinical presentation varies, with HRV associated with severe diarrhea but less vomiting.
  • Further research into HRV strains and their impact is warranted for public health interventions.

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