Prevalence and outcome of rotaviral diarrhoea among children under five years- a single centre study

Abstract

Introduction: Diarrhoea refers to the passage of loose or watery stools or an increased frequency of stools for the child and occurs at some point in the life of nearly every child. Diarrhoea is not a disease, but is a symptom of a number of illnesses. Diarrhoea is common and rarely serious. It can lead to dehydration, which alters the child's natural balance of water, and to electrolyte (sodium, potassium, chloride) imbalance. It can be serious if not treated promptly.

Material & method: This prospective observational cohort study done 3 different hospitals in Hyderabad. The stool samples were collected and immunochromatographic test done to detect the rotavirus and ELISA done to detect the strain.

Results: The 108 patients were tested for rotavirus antigen. The highest incidence (38.6%) of rota viral diarrhoea is seen in children in age group of 0-12 months. Fifty-five (50.93%) patients were positive for the immunochromatographic test. Rotavirus infections were most common during the months from December to March. The male predominance was obtained in incidence of rota viral diarrhoea during this study. In only 17.3% cases with acute diarrhoea had severe dehydration requiring admission and intra-venous fluid therapy. The most common strain was G1P. All patients immunized with rotavirus vaccine are protected from rotaviral diarrhoea.

Conclusion: Study revealed maximum prevalence of rota viral diarrhoea in month from December to March. All vaccinated children with rota virus vaccine were protected from rota viral infection.