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Rotavirus gastroenteritis in pediatric diarrhoea in Jos, Nigeria
N E Gomwalk1, L T Gosham, U J Umoh
1Department of Microbiology and Veterinary Public Health, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
Insights
Rotavirus infection, a common cause of acute diarrhea in children, was prevalent in 33% of young children in Jos. The study found higher rates in infants, during the dry season, and in male and breast-fed infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Acute diarrhea is a significant health concern in children globally.
- Rotavirus is a primary etiological agent responsible for severe diarrheal episodes in infants and young children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of rotavirus infection in children with acute diarrhea in Jos, Nigeria.
- To identify risk factors associated with rotavirus infection, including age, sex, feeding practices, and seasonality.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to detect rotavirus antigen in stool samples.
- A total of 442 stool samples were collected from children aged 0-5 years presenting with acute diarrhea between May 1986 and April 1987.
- Statistical analysis was performed to assess prevalence rates and identify associated factors.
Main Results:
- A rotavirus prevalence of 33% was observed among the study population (146 out of 442 samples).
- Prevalence was highest in infants aged 0-6 months, decreasing with age.
- Rotavirus occurred year-round, with significantly higher prevalence during the dry season (59%) compared to the rainy season (21%). Relative humidity was identified as a key climatic factor.
- Male and breast-fed children exhibited a higher predisposition to rotavirus infection.
Conclusions:
- Rotavirus is a common cause of acute diarrhea in children in Jos, Nigeria, with distinct epidemiological patterns.
- Age, season (dry vs. rainy), and feeding practices are significant factors influencing rotavirus prevalence.
- Findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and public health strategies to mitigate rotavirus burden in vulnerable pediatric populations.
Abstract:
Four hundred and forty-two samples from children, age 0-5 years old, with acute diarrhoea attending hospitals and clinics in Jos between May 1986 to April 1987 were examined for the presence of rotavirus by the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. One hundred and forty-six of these samples were positive, giving a prevalence rate of 33 per cent. The virus was more prevalent in infants 0-6 months old and decreased with an increase in age. Rotavirus was found to occur throughout the year, but there was a much higher prevalence of the virus during the dry season (59 per cent) than in the rainy season (21 per cent) with relative humidity being the most influential climatic factor for this variation. Male children and breast-fed children were more predisposed to infection with rotavirus than their counterparts.