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[Infectious diarrhoea in children under five years]

Faten Tinsa1, Ines Brini, Salem Yahyaoui

  • 1Service de Médecine Infantile B, Hospital d'enfants de Tunis.

La Tunisie Medicale
|February 26, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Rotavirus is a common cause of severe acute diarrhea in young children, often accompanied by respiratory symptoms. This study highlights its prevalence and distinct epidemiological patterns in pediatric gastroenteritis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Virology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe acute gastroenteritis in children globally.
  • Understanding the epidemiology and clinical presentation of rotavirus is crucial for effective management and prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of rotavirus in children under 5 with acute diarrhea.
  • To describe the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of rotavirus gastroenteritis.
  • To compare rotavirus gastroenteritis with other causes of gastroenteritis in children.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study was conducted over one year involving 117 children under 5 admitted for acute gastroenteritis.
  • Stool samples were collected within 48 hours of admission.
  • Rotavirus group A viral antigens (VP6 protein) were detected using a sandwich ELISA technique.

Main Results:

  • Rotavirus accounted for 25% of acute gastroenteritis cases.
  • The average age of children with rotavirus gastroenteritis was 11 months, with a male predominance (sex ratio 1.2).
  • Rotavirus gastroenteritis showed three incidence peaks (January, May, July), was associated with respiratory signs, and had a higher severity score (8.44 vs 6.75) and longer hospitalization duration compared to other gastroenteritis.

Conclusions:

  • Rotavirus gastroenteritis exhibits distinct seasonal peaks and predominantly affects very young infants.
  • Rotavirus infections present with more severe symptoms and are significantly associated with respiratory signs compared to other causes of gastroenteritis.
Abstract

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