The Incidence of Norovirus, Rotavirus and Adenovirus in Children with Acute Gastroenteritis

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the incidence of norovirus, rotavirus and adenovirus in children who presented to the pediatric emergency service with acute diarrhea. Material and Method: One hundred and twenty-six children among 164 patients who presented to our pediatric emergency department with diarrhea, and gave stool samples between October 2012 and February 2013 were enrolled in the study. Stool samples were analysed for norovirus, rotavirus and adenovirus. The association among frequency, duration of diarrhea, and vomiting, body temperature, age, causative factors of diarrhea, and clinical severity of the disease was evaluated. Results: Rotavirus, adenovirus, and norovirus were identified in 18.2% (n=23), 103 (n=13), and 8.7 % (n=11) of the patients, respectively. These three causative agent of diarrhea were most frequently seen in children between 1-5 years of age. Norovirus was more frequent in younger children. Rotavirus infection was more common in January, whereas adenovirus and norovirus were detected in December and January. Any statistically significant difference was not found among three agents of diarrhea in terms of disease severity. However, patients with adenovirus related diarrhea had a higher clinical disease severity score. Conclusion: In our country rotavirus, adenovirus antijen screening tests are easily performed, however rapid and reliable diagnostic tests for norovirus should be used prevalently. Studies aiming at applicability, and effectiveness of rotavirus vaccination should be conducted