Prevalence and severity of rotavirus infection in children vaccinated against rotavirus in a tertiary care hospital, Chidambaram

Abstract

Background: Diarrhoea is the most important reason for illness and death in developing nations. This cross sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and severity of Rotavirus infection among vaccinated and unvaccinated children admitted with acute watery diarrhoea in a tertiary care hospital, Chidambaram. Methods: Clinical assessment of dehydration and rapid immunochromatographic test was performed in stool specimens collected from children under 30 months of age visiting Rajah Muthiah Medical College Hospital, Chidambaram due to acute watery diarrhoea. Results: During one year study, among 115 children admitted with acute watery diarrhoea, 31(27%) children were found to be rotavirus positive. Rotavirus positivity was significantly higher (41%) in unvaccinated than in vaccinated group (p< 0.01). Severity of dehydration in rotavirus positive cases were significantly more (79%) in unvaccinated group (p< 0.01). Conclusion: This study suggests decline in rotavirus positivity and severity in rotavirus vaccinated children hospitalised for acute gastroenteritis.