The frequency of rotavirus and enteric adenovirus in children with acute gastroenteritis in Mardin

Objectives: Infectious gastroenteritis is one of most important causes of morbidity and mortality in children. Rotavirus and enteric adenoviruses are the most important agents of infectious gastroenteritis. Little is known about the epidemiology of rotavirus and enteric adenovirus gastroenteritis in our region. This study was aimed to determine the frequency of rotavirus and enteric adenovirus gastroenteritis in pediatric patients admitted to our hospital. Materials and Methods: Fresh stool specimens of total 941 pediatric patients admitted to our hospital during October 2008 and September 2009 due to acute gastroenteritis were studied. Rotavirus and enteric adenovirus antigens were investigated in the fresh stool specimens with the qualitative immunochromatographic test. Results: In 170 (18.1%) of fresh stool specimens, viral antigens were determined. Of these 170 specimens, rotavirus was established in 157 (16.7%), enteric adenovirus in 9 (1.0%), both rotavirus and enteric adenovirus in 4 (0.4%). The viral antigen positive cases were most frequently seen during autumn and winter months in children between 5-24 months of age. Conclusion: Rotavirus is most important agent in acute gastroenteritis of childhood in our region too. It should be investigated routinely in fresh stool specimens, especially in the autumn and winter months.