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[Rotavirus etiology of hospital cases of acute gastroenteritis]
Abstract:
The etiology of enteric illnesses occurring during hospitalization in children admitted in January-May, 1985, for respiratory tract illnesses was studied by several methods including electron microscopy (EM), enzyme immunoassay (EIA), and PAG electrophoresis. Rotaviruses were detected in 22 (44.9%) t of 49 children with symptoms of intestinal infection, in February in 11 (84.6%) out of 13 patients. The analysis of virus genome RNA of 7 isolates positive in EM and EIA revealed in all the isolates an identical pattern of RNA segment distribution typical of "long" variants of group A rotaviruses. The appurtenance of the isolates to the same electrophoretic type together with epidemiological data allows the examined cases of rotavirus gastroenteritis to be considered as nosocomial ones. A sporadic case of gastroenteritis is described induced by a rotavirus antigenically different from Group A rotaviruses and having the electrophoretic type similar to that described for group C rotaviruses.
Insights
Hospital-acquired rotavirus gastroenteritis was identified in children with respiratory illnesses. Most cases involved "long" variants of group A rotaviruses, suggesting nosocomial transmission.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Enteric illnesses in hospitalized children can complicate recovery from primary conditions.
- Identifying the causative agents of nosocomial infections is crucial for implementing effective control measures.
- Rotaviruses are a significant cause of gastroenteritis in young children.
Purpose:
- To investigate the etiology of enteric illnesses in children hospitalized for respiratory tract infections.
- To characterize the rotavirus strains responsible for these infections.
- To determine if the identified cases represent nosocomial infections.
Summary:
- Electron microscopy (EM), enzyme immunoassay (EIA), and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAG) were used to study enteric illnesses in hospitalized children.
- Rotaviruses were detected in 44.9% of children with intestinal symptoms, with a higher prevalence (84.6%) in February.
- Analysis of viral RNA revealed that most isolates were "long" variants of group A rotaviruses, indicating a common source and likely nosocomial transmission.
- A sporadic case of gastroenteritis caused by a non-group A rotavirus, similar to group C, was also identified.
Impact:
- This study highlights the potential for nosocomial rotavirus transmission in pediatric hospital settings.
- Understanding rotavirus strain characteristics aids in developing targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
- The findings contribute to the epidemiological surveillance of rotavirus infections in vulnerable populations.