Al- Anbar Medical Journal

Abstract

Objective : To determine the incidence of rotavirus infection and some of its epidemiological criteria in Ramadi Maternity and children hospital .
Materials and methods : Stool sample were obtained from 369 infants and children with acute diarrhea and from 115 infants and children with diseases other than diarrhea, admitted to Al-Ramadi Maternity and Children Hospital during1st Dec. 2001 to 1st June 2002 . Latex agglutination test was used for detection human rotavirus using commercially available kits .
Results : human rotavirus was detected in 24.4% of infants and children with acute diarrhea. The rotavirus infection was predominate in females . 96% of patients with rotavirus infection were less than 2 years of age . The peak of rotavirus infection was noticed in Dec ., Jan. and Feb.
Conclusion : Rotavirus is a common enteropathogen in infants and children with diarrhea. However , further studies are needed to explore the role of crowding , unsanitary and poor socioeconomic conditions and life style in transmission of rotavirus infection