Rotavirus-associated diarrhoea in children in a refugee camp in Jordan.

Studies on the rotavirus-associated acute diarrhoeal illness in Jordanian children are non-existent. The present case-control study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of rotavirus diarrhoea among children aged less than 5 years, attending the United Nations Refugee World Aid Clinic in northern Jordan. The potential environmental and behavioural risk factors contributing to the infection were also studied. Using the ELISA technique rotavirus antigens were detected in the stool samples of 35% of the 220 cases of gastroenteritis and in 3% of the control group. The control subjects were matched for age and sex with the cases. The overall prevalence was significantly higher (62%) in children aged less than 24 months [OR = 2.4, 95% CI (1.1-5.1)] than those in the older age groups. Severe cases of diarrhoea were rare. Diarrhoea due to rotavirus was more prevalent during the summer months (June-August). Risk factors for acute diarrhoea in these children are related to the infant feeding practices of using unboiled tap water to prepare the formula milk, and the low educational level of the mothers.