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Published on: July 22, 2012
[Incidence of rotavirus in adults with diarrhea in Asunción, Paraguay]
M Martínez1, N Fariña, M Rodríguez
1Departamento de Biología Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Río de la Plata y Lagerenza, Asunción (2511), Paraguay.
Insights
Rotavirus infections are common in adults, affecting 17.3% of fecal samples tested between 2001 and 2004. Unlike children, adult rotavirus cases occur year-round, suggesting it should be considered in adult diarrhea diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Gastroenterology
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Rotavirus is a leading cause of diarrhea in young children globally.
- Previous research has primarily focused on pediatric rotavirus infections.
- The epidemiology of rotavirus in adult populations remains less understood.
Purpose:
- To investigate the incidence and seasonality of rotavirus infections in adult patients in Paraguay.
Summary:
- A study of 533 adult fecal samples from October 2001 to March 2004 found rotavirus in 17.3% of cases.
- Rotavirus was detected year-round in adults, with no significant difference in incidence across age groups.
- This contrasts with the distinct seasonal peak observed in children under five in Paraguay.
Impact:
- These findings highlight rotavirus as a significant cause of adult diarrhea.
- The study suggests rotavirus should be included in the differential diagnosis for adult diarrhea.
- Understanding adult rotavirus epidemiology is crucial for public health strategies.
Abstract:
From October 2001 to March 2004, 92 out of 533 (17.3%) fecal samples of patients over 18 years of age were positive for rotavirus. There were not differences of rotavirus incidence between age groups. Although in Paraguay, rotavirus infections in children less than 5 years old present a seasonal peak pattern (since June to October), in adults rotavirus was present throughout the year with the same frequency. Results presented here reinforce the notion that rotavirus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of diarrhea in adults.
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