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First experience with diagnosing astroviral infections in children hospitalized in Pilsen (Czechia)
P Pazdiora1, H Jelínková, M Svecová
1Institute of Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, Charles University, 305 99 Pilsen, Czechia. pazdiora@fnplzen.cz
Insights
Astrovirus infections in children are rare, primarily affecting those aged 49-60 months, especially during winter. Routine testing for astrovirus in hospitalized children with diarrhea is not recommended due to low incidence.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Astrovirus is a common cause of gastroenteritis in children.
- Data on astrovirus incidence in hospitalized children with diarrhea is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and characteristics of astroviral infections in children admitted for diarrheal disease.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of routine astrovirus diagnosis in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of stool samples from children admitted with diarrhea.
- Detection of astrovirus antigen using immunoassay.
- Epidemiological data collection including age, season, and clinical symptoms.
Main Results:
- Astrovirus infection was confirmed in 0.8% of 2606 children.
- Infections were most common in children aged 49-60 months (2.4% incidence) and occurred predominantly in winter (77.3%).
- Nosocomial astrovirus infection was detected in 0.8% of samples.
Conclusions:
- Astroviral infections are infrequent in hospitalized children with diarrhea.
- Routine diagnosis is likely not cost-effective, but testing should be considered during outbreaks and for suspected nosocomial infections.
Abstract:
Between the years 2000-2002 astroviral infection was confirmed in 0.8 % of 2606 children admitted for a diarrheal disease to the University Hospital in Pilsen (Czechia). Astrovirus infections most frequently occurred in the age group between 49-60 months, and 77.3 % of the infections occurred in winter. When the incidence was calculated for these most susceptible age groups, the positive rates were 2.4 % (between 49-60 months) and 1.2 % (between 7-12 months) respectively. On average the hospitalization lasted for 5 d, the diarrhea 3.7 d, vomiting 1.1 d, and 40.9 % of infected children had a raised temperature. In 7 out of 872 stool samples (0.8 %), astrovirus antigen has appeared in the course of the monitored period, i.e. nosocomial astrovirus infection was recorded. In view of the rarity of detecting astroviral infections it is probably not effective to include the diagnosis of these infections in the routine panel when examining the children admitted for gastrointestinal infections. The diagnosis of these infections should, however, be performed within the framework of epidemic incidence and in nosocomial infections.
