The Prevalence of Rotavirus and Adenovirus in Children 0-5 years old Suffering from Acute Diarrhea in the University Hospital Center of Mother and Child (UHC-MC) in N’Djamena, Chad

Abstract

Acute diarrhea is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children from 0-5 months old, especially in Africa and many developing countries. Rotavirus and Adenovirus have been recognized as the common pathogens for this public health problem. However, little or no investigation has been carried out on the two viruses in Chad. In view of this fact, we decided to study the prevalence of Rotavirus and Adenovirus in children suffering from acute diarrhea at the University Hospital Center of Mother and Child (UHC-MC). Fresh stool samples were collected from 440 children ages 0-5 years (225 females and 2015 males). They were brought for medical consultation from March 2019- September 2019 at the pediatric department. Specimens were analyzed and Rotavirus and Adenovirus were detected using Rapid Immunochromatographic Test kit (Vikia BioMerieux, France). Out of the 440 children examined, 228 had viral infection with a prevalence of 51.81%. Based on gender infection, females 140 (62.22%) were significantly more infected than males 88(40.93%). Prevalence of mono infection of Rotavirus in children 110 (48.24%) was higher than that of Adenovirus 74(32.45%). More males had Rotavirus infection 60(68.18%) than girls 50 (37.71%). Co-infection was found to be 44 (19.29%). Distribution of viral infection indicated that children between 6-11 months had the highest viral burden 101(77.69%). Among clinical symptoms recorded, dehydration was the highest in children 84(61.76%). Due to the high prevalence of Rotavirus and Adenovirus discovered, we suggest that vaccines for the two viruses should be included in the national immunization program.