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Identification of viral agents causing gastroenteritis among children in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Alesio Bereciartu1, Karin Bok, Jorge Gómez

  • 1Viral Gastroenteritis Laboratory, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, ANLIS Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Journal of Clinical Virology : the Official Publication of the Pan American Society for Clinical Virology
|October 9, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Calicivirus and rotavirus are leading causes of viral gastroenteritis in children under three in Buenos Aires. Improved diagnostic tests are needed to reduce antibiotic use and enhance patient care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Virology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Gastroenteritis is a common childhood illness globally, with rotavirus being a primary cause.
  • While rotavirus is known to cause gastroenteritis in Argentina, the prevalence of other gastrointestinal viruses remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency of calicivirus in comparison to rotavirus, astrovirus, and adenovirus in Argentine children.
  • To characterize Argentine calicivirus strains through RNA polymerase sequencing.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 66 diarrhea patients under three years old.
  • Virus detection using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and/or enzyme immunoassays (EIAs).
  • Sequencing of calicivirus RNA polymerase regions for strain characterization.

Main Results:

  • At least one viral agent was identified in 48.5% of patients.
  • Rotavirus was detected in 17 children, calicivirus in 16, astrovirus in 5, and adenovirus in 2.
  • Sequence analysis identified Argentine calicivirus strains related to Lorsdale, Manchester, and London/92 viruses.

Conclusions:

  • Calicivirus and rotavirus are significant etiological agents of gastroenteritis in young children in Buenos Aires.
  • Limited availability of viral diagnostics in Argentine hospitals hinders accurate diagnosis.
  • Development of rapid, sensitive, and affordable calicivirus diagnostic tests is crucial for improved pediatric patient care and reduced antibiotic misuse.
Abstract

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