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Rotavirus infection in children in Saudi Arabia
S M el Assouli1, Z M Banjar, K A Mohammed
1Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Rotavirus gastroenteritis is common in young children in Saudi Arabia, particularly during cooler months. This study highlights rotavirus prevalence and identifies peak incidence in infants aged 13-15 months.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Gastroenteritis is a significant health concern in infants and young children globally.
- Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrheal disease in this age group.
- Understanding local epidemiology is crucial for effective prevention and control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of rotavirus in pediatric gastroenteritis cases in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- To identify demographic and seasonal patterns of rotavirus infection.
- To assess the utility of diagnostic methods for rotavirus detection.
Main Methods:
- Collection of 363 fecal specimens from children with gastroenteritis over 13 months.
- Detection of rotavirus using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and latex agglutination test.
- Confirmation of rotavirus presence using electron microscopy.
- Analysis of seasonal trends and age-specific incidence.
Main Results:
- Rotavirus was detected in 46% of specimens by ELISA and 40.7% by latex agglutination.
- Peak rotavirus detection occurred during cooler months.
- Infection was most frequent in children under two years old, peaking at 13-15 months.
- Mixed infections with bacteria, parasites, and yeast were observed but were infrequent.
Conclusions:
- Rotavirus is a major cause of gastroenteritis in young children in western Saudi Arabia.
- The study provides valuable epidemiological data on rotavirus infection patterns in the region.
- Effective rotavirus surveillance and vaccination programs are essential for reducing childhood morbidity.
Abstract:
Three hundred sixty-three fecal specimens were collected from infants and young children with gastroenteritis over a 13-month period in Jeddah, western Saudi Arabia. Rotavirus was detected in 46% of the 363 specimens tested using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and in 40.7% of 113 specimens using a latex agglutination test. One hundred nine of the 113 specimens that were positive by the latex agglutination test were also positive by ELISA. Electron microscopy was used to examine some specimens to demonstrate the presence of the virus. Rotavirus was detected throughout the 13-month study period, with an increase in the frequency of infection in the cooler months. Infection with this virus was more frequent among infants and children less than two-years old, with a maximum incidence among children 13-15 months old. In the 363 stool specimens tested, rotavirus was found in mixed infections with bacteria in 0.44%, with parasites in 1.31%, and with yeast in 0.66%.