Common Rota Virus Gastroenteritis in Children under 5 Years in Maternity and Children Teaching Hospital, western Iraq

Abstract

Objective: This study was designed to find out the incidence of rotavirus as an etiological agent in diarrheal patients under 5 years of age admitted to Al-Ramadi Maternity and Children Teaching Hospital. Methods: Over a period of one year, from the 1st of January 2009 to the 1st of January 2010. 420 stool samples were collected from patients with diarrhea and sent directly to the hospital laboratory for detection of rotavirus antigen using rapid immunochromatographic assay. Results: Out of 420 stool samples, rotavirus was detected in 165 (39.26%).The majorities of cases were reported in first year of age. Conclusion: It appears that artificial feeding, living in rural areas and low mother education all are important factors that increase percentage of infection with this virus. Also it appears that the infection can happen in all seasons but mostly in summer. The study conclude that Gastroenteritis due to rotavirus is an important problem of diarrhea in Al-Ramadi city and recommended that the mothers need to be encouraged for breast feeding as a prophylactic measures for all types of diarrhea and also sterilization of water. factors that increase the percentage of infection by this virus. Infection occurred in all seasons but predominantly in summer. Key Words: Gasteroenteritis, Children, Rotavirs, Ramadi.