Open AccessMolecular epidemiology and associated risk factors of rotavirus infection among children under 5 years hospitalized for acute gastroenteritis in North Eastern, Kenya, 2012
Author(s) -
Ahmed Fidhow,
Samwel Amwayi,
Zipporah Ng’ang’a,
Joseph Oundo,
James Nyangao,
Wences Arvelo
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
the pan african medical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.287
H-Index - 30
ISSN - 1937-8688
DOI - 10.11604/pamj.supp.2017.28.1.2486
Subject(s) - rotavirus , epidemiology , acute gastroenteritis , medicine , rotavirus infections , pediatrics , rotavirus gastroenteritis , environmental health , diarrhea , virology
Rotavirus is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years worldwide. This study aimed to characterize the circulating genotypes of rotavirus and to determine risk factors of rotavirus infection in North Eastern, Kenya before the introduction of rotavirus vaccines. Methods we conducted a cross sectional study among children < 5 years old hospitalized for acute gastroenteritis at the study hospital. Rotavirus was detected in stool specimens and further characterized using PAGE and RT-PCR. Socio-demographic and risk factor information was collected using a standard questionnaire. Results we enrolled 237 children into the study hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis. Of these, 41 (17%) tested positive for group A rotavirus in stool specimens. Age < 2 years, unboiled tap water, underweight and low birth weight were identified as independent risk factors of rotavirus infection. Majority 8 (57%) of the detected rotavirus RNA profiles were long electropherotypes. G3, G9 and P4 were the predominant genotypes identified. Conclusion Rotavirus is an important aetiology of acute gastroenteritis among children under five years in this region. Risk factors common in other regions and rotavirus vaccine preventable genotypes are responsible for infection. We recommend the introduction of rotavirus vaccines, coupled with good infant nutrition, safe water supply and maternal hygienic practices during infant feeding.