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Rotavirus and winter gastro-enteritis in White South African infants
South African Medical Journal = Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Geneeskunde
|December 10, 1977
Insights
Rotavirus is the primary cause of winter gastro-enteritis in infants, identified in 61% of cases. Other viruses and bacteria were less common in this study of young children.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Gastro-enteritis is a common illness in infants, particularly during winter months.
- Identifying the causative agents of gastro-enteritis is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the microbiological causes of acute winter gastro-enteritis in White infants.
- To determine the prevalence of rotavirus and other potential pathogens in affected children.
Main Methods:
- Microbiological examination of stool samples from 23 White infants with winter gastro-enteritis.
- Detection of viral agents, including rotavirus and parvovirus-like particles.
- Bacteriological analysis to identify potential bacterial pathogens.
Main Results:
- Rotaviruses were detected in 14 out of 23 (61%) children.
- Parvovirus-like particles were found in 1 child (4%).
- One isolate of Salmonella eastbourne was identified, but no enterotoxigenic or invasive bacteria were found in the 11 samples tested.
Conclusions:
- Rotavirus is identified as the predominant etiological agent responsible for acute winter gastro-enteritis in this cohort of White infants.
- The findings highlight the significant role of rotavirus in infant gastro-enteritis, underscoring the importance of rotavirus vaccination and surveillance.
Abstract:
In a microbiological investigation of winter gastro-enteritis in 23 White children rotaviruses were found in 14 (61%) and parvovirus-like particles in 1 (4%). Bacteriological examination of stools from 11 of these patients yielded one isolate of Salmonella eastbourne, but no enterotoxigenic or invasive bacteria were found. Rotavirus appears to be the main aetiological agent of acute winter gastro-enteritis in White infants.