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Bioecological factors & rotavirus diarrhoea
S Ram1, S Khurana, S B Khurana
1Department of Microbiology, Dayanand Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana.
Insights
Rotavirus infection affects over 11% of young children with diarrhea, with incidence varying by month and negatively correlating with humidity. Boys aged 10-12 months are most susceptible.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrheal disease in infants and young children globally.
- Understanding the epidemiology of rotavirus infection is crucial for developing effective prevention and control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of rotavirus infection in children under three years of age presenting with diarrhea.
- To investigate the association of rotavirus infection with demographic factors, seasonality, and environmental conditions.
Main Methods:
- Rotavirus detection was performed using Rotalex assay.
- Group-specific ELISA was employed to identify rotavirus subgroups.
- Statistical analysis was used to assess correlations with environmental factors and demographic data.
Main Results:
- Rotavirus was detected in 11.72% of 1024 children with diarrhea; no rotavirus was found in 25 healthy controls.
- Subgroup analysis revealed 30 cases of subgroup I and 43 of subgroup II, with 10 untypable cases.
- Incidence varied monthly (2.8-22.20%), showed a negative correlation with relative humidity (r = -0.645), and peaked in children aged 10-12 months. Male children were more affected (3.3:1 ratio).
Conclusions:
- Rotavirus is a significant pathogen in young children with diarrhea in the studied population.
- Epidemiological factors such as age, sex, and relative humidity play a role in rotavirus transmission and incidence.
Abstract:
Rotavirus was detected (using Rotalex) in 11.72 per cent (120 of 1024) children below 3 yr age with diarrhoea. None of the 25 healthy control children excreted rotavirus in their faeces. Group specific ELISA for 89 Rotalex positive samples revealed 30 subgroup I and 43 subgroup II whereas 10 were untypable. Rotavirus infection ranged from 2.8 to 22.20 per cent in different months. There was no correlation with mean minimum and maximum temperatures. However, the incidence showed a negative correlation (r = -0.645) with relative humidity. Children between the age of 10 to 12 months had the maximum incidence of rotavirus infection. Male patients were found to be more susceptible to infection than females (3.3:1).