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Prevalence and factors associated with rotavirus infection among children admitted with acute diarrhea in Uganda

Jane S Nakawesi1, Eric Wobudeya, Grace Ndeezi

  • 1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P O Box 7072 Kampala, Uganda. nakawesijane@gmail.com

BMC Pediatrics
|September 28, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Rotavirus infection is highly prevalent in Ugandan children with acute diarrhea. Maternal education, dehydration, and breastfeeding were associated factors in this study.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe dehydrating diarrhea in children globally.
  • Malnutrition and limited access to hydration therapy exacerbate rotavirus mortality in developing countries.
  • The burden of rotavirus disease in Uganda was previously unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of rotavirus infection among children with acute diarrhea in Uganda.
  • To identify factors associated with rotavirus infection in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 390 children aged 3-59 months admitted with acute diarrhea.
  • Collection of clinical, socio-demographic, and physical examination data.
  • Rotavirus antigen detection in stool samples using the DAKO IDEIA rotavirus EIA kit.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of rotavirus infection was 45.4%.
  • Significant associations were found with higher maternal education, dehydration, and breastfeeding.
  • No significant association was observed with nutritional status, HIV status, or day care/school attendance.

Conclusions:

  • Rotavirus infection is highly prevalent in children experiencing acute diarrhea at Mulago Hospital, Uganda.
  • Specific factors such as maternal education, dehydration, and breastfeeding are linked to rotavirus infection.
Abstract

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