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Rotavirus gastro-enteritis in hospitalized children with acute diarrhoea in Zambia
M Mpabalwani1, H Oshitani, F Kasolo
1Virology Laboratory, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia.
Insights
Rotavirus diarrhoea is common in hospitalized children in Zambia, especially those under one year old. While dehydration is frequent, rotavirus infection appears to reduce the case fatality rate in young children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrheal disease globally in infants and young children.
- Understanding the epidemiology of rotavirus in specific regions is crucial for public health interventions.
- Acute diarrhea remains a significant cause of hospitalization and mortality among children in Lusaka, Zambia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of rotavirus diarrhea in hospitalized children in Lusaka, Zambia.
- To determine the prevalence of rotavirus infection among children with acute diarrhea.
- To analyze risk factors, clinical presentation, and outcomes associated with rotavirus infection.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1069 children admitted with acute diarrhea.
- Rotavirus infection was detected through stool sample analysis.
- Clinical data including dehydration, nutritional status, and case fatality rates were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Rotavirus was detected in 24.0% of the children studied.
- The highest prevalence was observed in children under 1 year of age (37.0%).
- Rotavirus-positive children had higher rates of dehydration (82.4%) but a significantly lower case fatality rate (6.4%) compared to rotavirus-negative children.
Conclusions:
- Rotavirus is a significant contributor to acute diarrhea in hospitalized children in Lusaka, particularly affecting infants.
- Despite increased dehydration, rotavirus infection is associated with a reduced risk of mortality in this population.
- Further research and targeted interventions are needed to manage rotavirus infections effectively in young children in Zambia.
Abstract:
The clinical and epidemiological aspects of rotavirus diarrhoea were studied in hospitalized children with acute diarrhoea in Lusaka, Zambia. Two hundred and fifty-six (24.0%) of 1069 children admitted to the study were shedding rotavirus. The rotavirus-positive rate was highest in children less than 1 year of age (37.0%) and it was also high in those less than 6 months old. Rotavirus diarrhoea was seen throughout the year with a higher rotavirus-positive rate in the dry season. In rotavirus-positive diarrhoea patients, more children were dehydrated (82.4%) than in the rotavirus-negative group (56.2%). Rotavirus infection was more common in the children with normal nutritional status (27.6%, 162/588) than in those with malnutrition (19.3%, 93/482). The associated case fatality rate in the rotavirus-positive group was 6.4%, significantly less than in the rotavirus-negative group (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.24-0.79), and mortality cases were seen only in children less than 2 years old.