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Detection of Rotavirus, Norovirus, and Astrovirus Causing Acute Diarrhoea in Children by Multiplex PCR in a Tertiary
Khushbakht Alam1,2,3, Eijaz Ghani1,2,3, Muhammad Ali Rathore1,2,3
1Department of Virology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Insights
A multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test effectively detected Rotavirus, Norovirus, and Astrovirus in children with acute diarrhea. This rapid viral diagnosis aids in prompt treatment and antibiotic stewardship.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Gastroenteritis in children under five is a significant public health concern.
- Viral pathogens like Rotavirus, Norovirus, and Astrovirus are common causes of acute diarrhea in this age group.
- Accurate and rapid diagnostic methods are crucial for effective management and control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay.
- To detect three common viral causes of gastroenteritis: Rotavirus, Norovirus (genotypes 1 and 2), and Astrovirus.
- To assess the prevalence of these viral infections in children under five years with acute diarrhea.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with 87 children under five presenting with acute diarrhea.
- Stool samples were analyzed using a commercially available multiplex PCR kit for Rotavirus, Norovirus, and Astrovirus detection.
- Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27.00.
Main Results:
- The multiplex RT-PCR test identified viral pathogens in 64.3% (56/87) of the children studied.
- Rotavirus was the most prevalent (27.5%), followed by Norovirus (22.9%), and Astrovirus (8%).
- Co-infections with multiple viruses were observed in 5.7% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Viral infections are a significant etiological factor in acute diarrhea among young children.
- Multiplex PCR offers a valuable tool for rapid and accurate diagnosis, facilitating targeted treatment and infection control.
- Prompt identification of viral gastroenteritis can prevent the overuse of antibiotics.
Objective:
To evaluate the use of a multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test in detecting three viruses namely Rotavirus, Norovirus (genotypes 1 and 2), and Astrovirus that cause gastroenteritis in children under the age of five years.
Study Design:
A cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Virology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP), Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from January to July 2023.
Methodology:
A total of 87 children having acute diarrhoea and less than 5 years of age were included in this study from the outpatient clinic. Multiplex PCR was performed for the detection of three viruses: Rotavirus, Norovirus, and Astrovirus in stool samples of patients using a commercially available PCR kit. The data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27:00.
Results:
Out of total 87 children, aged 2.5 ± 1.5 years, 56 (64.3%) were positive for multiplex RT-PCR and 31 (35.6%) were negative. Rotavirus was identified in 24 (27.5%) children as the most common cause of acute diarrhoea, followed by Norovirus in 20 (22.9%), and Astrovirus in 7 (8%) patients, while co-infection with multiple viruses occurred in 5 (5.7%) of the cases.
Conclusion:
This study revealed viral aetiology as a significant cause of acute diarrhoea in children. Multiplex PCR in the healthcare system can make it easier to identify, treat, and control the upsurge of diarrhoea. Prompt diagnosis of viral causes can lead to the prevention of unnecessary use of antibiotics.
Key Words:
Multiplex polymerase chain reaction, Rotavirus, Norovirus, Astroviridae, Diarrhoea.
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