A wide variety of diarrhea viruses circulating in pediatric patients in Thailand

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Natthawan Chaimongkol1, Pattara Khamrin, Boonpa Suantai

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Clinical Laboratory
|March 1, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Viral gastroenteritis is common in children globally. This study found group A rotavirus and norovirus were the most prevalent diarrhea viruses in Chiang Mai, Thailand, with seasonal peaks observed.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Epidemiology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Viral gastroenteritis is a leading cause of illness in infants and young children worldwide.
  • A diverse range of viruses are implicated in causing gastroenteritis.
  • Understanding the epidemiology of these infections is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the epidemiological situation of diarrhea virus infections in pediatric patients in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
  • To identify the prevalence and distribution of various enteric viruses.
  • To analyze the seasonality of detected viral infections.

Main Methods:

  • Collected 160 fecal specimens from hospitalized pediatric patients with acute gastroenteritis.
  • Utilized RT-multiplex PCR to test for a panel of common diarrhea viruses, including rotaviruses (A, B, C), norovirus, sapovirus, astrovirus, adenovirus, Aichi virus, enterovirus, bocavirus, and human parechovirus.
  • Conducted monthly distribution analysis of detected viruses.

Main Results:

  • 53.1% of specimens tested positive for diarrhea viruses.
  • Group A rotavirus (27.5%) and norovirus GII (11.9%) were the most prevalent pathogens.
  • Group A rotavirus and norovirus showed distinct seasonal peaks during the cool season (January-March and December, respectively).

Conclusions:

  • A wide spectrum of diarrhea viruses circulates among pediatric patients with acute gastroenteritis in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
  • Group A rotavirus and norovirus are significant contributors to pediatric gastroenteritis in the region.
  • The findings highlight the importance of continued surveillance for enteric viral pathogens in children.
Abstract

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