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Hospitalisations for gastroenteritis: the role of rotavirus

Paul Rivest1, Mélanie Proulx, Guy Lonergan

  • 1Direction de santé publique de Montréal-Centre, 1301 rue Sherbrooke Est, Montréal, Qué., Canada H2L 1M3. privest@santepub-mtl.qc.ca

Vaccine
|May 4, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Rotavirus is the primary cause of gastroenteritis hospitalizations in young children during winter and spring in Quebec. This study found rotavirus in over 70% of tested pediatric gastroenteritis cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Virology
  • Public health surveillance

Background:

  • Gastroenteritis is a common cause of childhood hospitalization.
  • Rotavirus is a significant pathogen responsible for severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children.
  • Understanding the burden of rotavirus is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the proportion of hospitalizations for gastroenteritis in children under five attributable to rotavirus.
  • To analyze the clinical presentation and outcomes of rotavirus gastroenteritis in hospitalized children.
  • To assess the seasonal trends of rotavirus activity.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study conducted in seven hospitals in Quebec from December 1999 to May 2000.
  • Stool samples were collected from children under five hospitalized for gastroenteritis.
  • Samples were tested for the presence of rotavirus.

Main Results:

  • Of 944 children hospitalized for gastroenteritis, 565 were tested for rotavirus, and 405 (71.7%) tested positive.
  • The proportion of positive rotavirus tests increased from 51.6% in December to 78.1% in April.
  • Children with rotavirus gastroenteritis were more likely to present with vomiting and require IV fluids but had shorter hospital stays compared to those with non-rotavirus gastroenteritis.

Conclusions:

  • Rotavirus is responsible for the vast majority of winter and spring gastroenteritis hospitalizations in young children in Quebec.
  • Rotavirus infection in this age group is primarily associated with vomiting, dehydration requiring IV fluids, and shorter hospitalizations.
  • These findings highlight the substantial impact of rotavirus on pediatric healthcare utilization during specific seasons.

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