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Rotavirus infection in children hospitalized for diarrhoea in Argentina
Insights
Rotavirus is a significant cause of acute gastroenteritis in hospitalized infants and children in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Peak infections occur during cooler months, particularly in infants under six months old.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Acute gastroenteritis is a common reason for pediatric hospital admissions.
- Rotavirus is a known cause of severe diarrhea in infants globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of rotavirus as a cause of acute gastroenteritis in hospitalized children in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- To compare diagnostic methods for rotavirus detection.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological survey of 180 children admitted with acute gastroenteritis from August 1978 to January 1980.
- Virus identification using electron microscopy (EM) and counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE).
- Serological response assessed by complement fixation test.
Main Results:
- Rotavirus was detected in 34% (62/180) of children with acute gastroenteritis.
- Electron microscopy (EM) and counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) showed 90.5% agreement in diagnosis.
- Peak rotavirus incidence occurred during cooler months (May-August), with higher rates in infants under six months.
Conclusions:
- Rotavirus is a major etiological agent of infantile acute gastroenteritis in Buenos Aires.
- EM and CIE are reliable methods for rotavirus diagnosis.
- Rotavirus infections in infants under six months were generally mild.
Abstract:
An epidemiological survey was undertaken to establish the importance of rotavirus as a cause of admission of children to hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Between August 1978 and January 1980 rotavirus infection was detected in 62 (34%) of 180 infants and children admitted to hospital with acute gastro-enteritis. In identification of the virus, electron microscopy (EM) was found to be as sensitive as counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE). There was agreement between EM and CIE diagnosis in 90.5% cases. Adenovirus and coronavirus were detected by electron microscopy less often. A serological response to rotavirus was revealed by complement fixation test in 38 (72%) of 53 infected patients. Rotaviruses were detected throughout the year, but peak incidence occurred during the cooler months, May to August. Infection was commoner among children under six months of age. Diarrhoea was generally mild in these children and respiratory illness showed no significant association with rotavirus gastroenteritis. These results indicate that rotaviruses may be a major cause of infantile acute gastroenteritis in Buenos Aires, Argentina especially during the winter.