Detection of human rotavirus in faeces from diarrhoeic calves in north-east Nigeria.

Information on the epidemiology of rotavirus in any particular area is necessary for vaccine development against the disease caused by the virus. This study presents preliminary information on the prevalence of human rotavirus in diarrhoeic calves in North-east Nigeria. Faecal samples from 188 diarrhoeic calves in various farms in North-east Nigeria, obtained between November 1998 and February 1999, were analysed by ELISA for the presence of rotaviruses. A prevalence rate of 3.2% was recorded, with the virus being prevalent among calves aged 29-56 days (p < 0.05). The implications of these findings are discussed with respect to the close association between the herdsmen and their animals and the sharing of a common source of drinking water in the predominantly livestock-producing communities of North-east Nigeria.