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Rotavirus gastroenteritis is common in hospitalized children, particularly infants. This study found rotavirus in 32% of cases, with peak infections during winter months.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Gastroenteritis is a significant health concern in children.
- Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of rotavirus infections in hospitalized children with gastroenteritis.
- To determine the age and seasonal distribution of rotavirus infections.
- To assess the immune response to rotavirus infection.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy and discontinuous counterimmunoelectrophoresis were used for rotavirus detection.
- Seroconversion was studied using complement fixation assays.
- Case-control study design comparing 141 children with gastroenteritis to 120 controls.
Main Results:
- Rotavirus was detected in 32% of children with gastroenteritis, compared to 1.6% in controls.
- Infection rates were highest in infants aged 0-6 months.
- A strong seasonal pattern was observed, with 80% of cases occurring in July (winter).
- Seroconversion was confirmed in 80% of rotavirus-positive children.
Conclusions:
- Rotavirus is a frequent cause of gastroenteritis in hospitalized children, especially infants.
- The study highlights a significant winter seasonality for rotavirus infections.
- Immune responses, including seroconversion, are common following rotavirus detection.
Abstract:
Rotavirus was studied over a 1-year period in 141 hospitalized children suffering from gastroenteritis and in 120 control children. Electron microscopy and discontinuous counterimmunoelectrophoresis techniques were employed with equal success. Rotavirus was detected with high frequency in children suffering from diarrhea (45 cases; 32%) and in only 2 cases (1.6%) of the control group. A marked seasonal distribution, with 80% in July (winter) and a decrease (0%) in December (summer), was observed. The frequency of infection with rotavirus was highest in infants between 0 and 6 months of age. Seroconversion, studied by complement fixation, was obtained in 34 of 42 (80%) virus-positive children, and antibody without conversion was observed in 8 (19%). Of 58 virus-negative children, 51 (96.2%) were negative for antibody and only 2 (3.7%) developed antibody.