Evaluation of the prevalence of Rotavirus in children under 3 years with acute gastroenteritis in Isfahan, 2018

Background: Acute gastroenteritis is the major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Rotavirus is the most common viral cause of acute diarrhea in pediatric patients. The aims of this study were to evaluating the prevalence of Rotavirus in acute gastroenteritis in Isfahan among children under 3 years regarding their age, gender and seasonal distribution of Rotavirus; and to provide useful epidemiological and clinical data. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on fecal specimens and clinical data collected from 75 children under 3 years of age with acute diarrhea at the central pediatric hospital of Imam Hussein, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences between February 2016 and January 2017.  All samples tested for rotavirus by ELISA method. Results: Of the 75 stool samples 33.3% specimens were positive for Rotavirus. 32% cases were detected in 1-2 years old category (p<0.05). About 40% were females and 60%, males (p>0.05). Infection by rotavirus has a major peak in winter (February month) so that 60% were positive in the winter (p<0.05). After clinical analysis it was shown that all of the signs were belonged to gastrointestinal infection group (p<0.05). These major manifestations are diarrhea (100%), vomiting (93%), fever (82%), abdominal pain (79%) and dehydration (65%). Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings of this study showed that rotavirus was the important pathogen in childhood diarrhea in Isfahan, Iran. The common clinical symptoms were fever, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and dehydration. Controlling the desiease is essencial for the financial burden of children healthcare.