Frequency and Demographic Study of Rotavirus Acute Gastroenteritis in Hospitalized Children of Borazjan City during 2008-2009

Rotaviruses are one of the most important causes of severe viral gastroenteritis and death among children, worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Rotavirus gastroenteritis in hospitalized children of Borazjan. This cross sectional – descriptive study was done on 375 stool samples of children younger than 7 years old hospitalized in 17 Shahrivar hospitals of Borazjan due to severe diarrhea. Group A Rotaviruses were identified by Enzyme Immunoassay(EIA) test. Data was analyzed by SPSS software. Of the total, 91(24.27%) rotavirus infections were detected. The highest incidence was observed in children aged 12-17 months(6.93%). Diarrhea(91.21%), vomiting(64.83%), moderate dehydration (57.14%), abdominal pain (56.04%) and fever (53.84%) were the most frequent clinical symptoms. There was a significant relationship between the virus and seasons(P=0). The highest prevalence was in autumn (54.94%) while the least was in summer(2.20%). Because of the high frequency of rotavirus infection, surveillance and expanded program of immunization is necessary, especially in children less than 2 years old.