Anil Kumar Goel1, Suraj Chawla2, Arti Dhingra3, Varunkumar Thiyagarajan4, Nayana P Nair4. 1. Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, India. 2. Department of Community Medicine, Shaheed Hasan Khan Mewati Government Medical College, Nalhar, Nuh, Haryana, 122107, India. surajpgirohtak@gmail.com. 3. Department of Pediatrics, Shaheed Hasan Khan Mewati Government Medical College, Nalhar, Nuh, Haryana, India. 4. Department of GI Sciences, The Wellcome Trust Research Laboratory, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of rotavirus diarrhea and its demographic, social, and clinical characteristics among children less than five years of age admitted in a rural tertiary care institute. METHODS: This prospective hospital-based observational study was carried out during February 2016 to June 2019. Diarrheal admissions of children aged 0-59 mo were screened and those who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Sociodemographic and clinical information was collected using a case report form. Stool samples were collected within 48 h of admission and transported in cold chain every month to the referral laboratory situated at Christian Medical College for testing. RESULTS: Among the children admitted with acute diarrhea, 148 (11.02%) were positive for rotavirus in the study. As per Vesikari scoring system, around three fourth (76.2%) of children were having severe or very severe diarrhea. Severity of diarrhea was more among rotavirus positive cases as assessed by the Vesikari scoring system. The rotavirus diarrhea showed a peak during November to February. CONCLUSION: Rotavirus diarrhea is an issue of public health importance, particularly due to its association with the severe diarrhea. As evidenced from similar settings in the world, rotavirus vaccine introduction and increased coverage is the most important strategy towards prevention and control of rotavirus diarrhea.
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of rotavirus diarrhea and its demographic, social, and clinical characteristics among children less than five years of age admitted in a rural tertiary care institute. METHODS: This prospective hospital-based observational study was carried out during February 2016 to June 2019. Diarrheal admissions of children aged 0-59 mo were screened and those who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Sociodemographic and clinical information was collected using a case report form. Stool samples were collected within 48 h of admission and transported in cold chain every month to the referral laboratory situated at Christian Medical College for testing. RESULTS: Among the children admitted with acute diarrhea, 148 (11.02%) were positive for rotavirus in the study. As per Vesikari scoring system, around three fourth (76.2%) of children were having severe or very severe diarrhea. Severity of diarrhea was more among rotavirus positive cases as assessed by the Vesikari scoring system. The rotavirus diarrhea showed a peak during November to February. CONCLUSION:Rotavirus diarrhea is an issue of public health importance, particularly due to its association with the severe diarrhea. As evidenced from similar settings in the world, rotavirus vaccine introduction and increased coverage is the most important strategy towards prevention and control of rotavirus diarrhea.
Authors: Abdul Walusansa; Savina Asiimwe; Jamilu E Ssenku; Godwin Anywar; Milbert Namara; Jesca L Nakavuma; Esezah K Kakudidi Journal: Trop Med Health Date: 2022-01-07