Related Experiment Videos
Rotavirus infection among children in Bombay
1Sir Hurkisondas Nurrotumdas Medical Research Society, Bombay.
Insights
Rotavirus is a significant cause of acute infantile diarrhea in Bombay, particularly in children aged 6-24 months. This study highlights its prevalence and seasonal patterns.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Acute diarrhea remains a major health concern in infants and young children globally.
- Rotavirus is a well-established viral pathogen responsible for severe gastroenteritis in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and etiological role of rotavirus in acute infantile diarrhea in Bombay.
- To compare the diagnostic efficacy of different detection methods for rotavirus.
Main Methods:
- Faecal samples were collected from children and adults with acute diarrhea and age-matched controls.
- Rotavirus detection was performed using electron microscopy (EM), latex slide agglutination (LA), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Main Results:
- Rotavirus was detected in 23.0% of children with acute diarrhea, with the highest incidence (25.7%) in the 6-24 month age group.
- Rotavirus was identified as the sole pathogen in 50 cases, while coinfections with bacterial or protozoal agents occurred in 13 cases.
- Only 1.1% of control children tested positive for rotavirus, and no adults showed rotavirus presence. Diarrhea was more common in cooler months and crowded housing.
Conclusions:
- Rotavirus is a significant causative agent of infantile diarrhea in Bombay.
- ELISA demonstrated higher sensitivity than LA, though LA offered a quicker and more cost-effective alternative.
- Environmental factors like season and housing conditions may influence rotavirus prevalence.
Abstract:
From December 1984 to December 1986 samples of faeces were collected from 273 children and 50 adults suffering from acute diarrhea and from an equal number of control subjects. Presence of rotavirus was looked for by electron microscopy (EM), latex slide agglutination (LA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Of the 273 children 63 (23.0%) showed presence of rotavirus, with maximum incidence of 25.7% in 6 to 24 months age group. Out of 63 positive cases, 10 were associated with bacterial pathogens and 3 with protozoal--parasitic agents. In the remaining 50, rotavirus was the sole pathogen identified. Among the 273 age matched control children without diarrhoea only 3 (1.1%) showed presence of rotavirus. None of the adults showed presence of rotavirus. Rotavirus diarrhoea was more prevalent in cooler months of the year and in crowded houses. LA gave less number of positive results than ELISA but was cheaper and quicker. It is concluded that rotavirus is an important cause of infantile diarrhoea in Bombay.