Incidence of rotavirus infection in different age groups of pediatric patients with gastroenteritis.

An enzyme immunoassay was used to detect rotavirus in the stools of 176 pediatric patients presenting with gastroenteritis. The highest incidence of rotavirus infection was found among patients less than 1 year of age. In contrast to previously reported studies, 23% of neonates with gastroenteritis had rotavirus in their stools. This relatively easy and rapid method was helpful in the management of pediatric patients with gastroenteritis.