Study of Rotavirus as a Causative Agent in Acute Diarrhoea in Infants and Children

Title of the paper Study of Rotavirus as a causative agent in acute diarrhea in infants and children below 5 years of age in Gauhati Medical College and Hospitalhospital based prospective study. Subtitle Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea requiring hospitalization among infants and young children worldwide. Rotavirus infection affects 95 % of children under the age of 5 years regardless of the socio- economic or environmental conditions and leads more frequently to dehydration than other etiologies. This study was carried out to determine the frequency of Rotavirus diarrhea in hospitalised children under 5 years of age in Guwahati medical college and hospital by ELISA test. Methods 140 stool samples were collected within 24 to 48hrs of hospitalization from children below 5 years who were admitted to the Pediatric wards with acute diarrhea from june 2014 to may 2015. All patients underwent physical examination for sign of dehydration The presence of Rotavirus antigen was tested by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Result Out of 140 stool samples Rotavirus antigen was detected in 42 (30 %) stool samples by Rotaclone ELISA test. Highest Rotavirus positive cases was found in age group 1-2 years with 21 (50 %), followed by 11 (26 %) in age group of 6-12 months. Gender distribution of Rotavirus positive cases was found more in male 28 (32.94 %) than female14 (25.45 %). The most commonly assaociated clinical features with Rotavirus positive cases was vomiting (73 %), fever (66 %), some dehydration (71 %), severe dehydration (26 %) and pain abdomen (47 %). The peak incidence of diarrhea caused by Rotavirus was seen in winter. Highest positive cases was seen in january 12 (28.57 %) followed by february 10 (23.8 %). ConclusionThe present study shows the significant burden of Rotavirus diarrhea in hospitalized children under 5 years of age. There is need to promote awareness among parents and care taker about hygiene and Rotavirus vaccine to reduce the incidence. Rotavirus, under 5years children, Acute diarrhea