Hospital Based Surveillance of Rotavirus and Adenovirus in Children with Acute Diarrhoea

Abstract

Background: Diarrhoea remains a major cause of child mortality in developing countries. This hospital-based study, conducted from November 2022 to October 2023 in Awka, Nigeria, investigated the prevalence of rotavirus and adenovirus among children under five presenting with diarrhoea. Methods: A total of 400 stool samples were collected; 300 from diarrhoeic children and 100 from non-diarrhoeic controls. Socio-demographic and clinical data were obtained via questionnaires, and viral detection was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Rotavirus was detected in 36.7% of diarrhoeic cases, adenovirus in 4%, and co-infections in 1.8%. None of the control samples tested positive. Dehydration was the most common clinical manifestation. Significant risk factors included child teething, contact with diarrhoeic individuals, and lower paternal education levels. Children aged 7–12 months had the highest infection rates. Seasonality played a role, with peak viral prevalence occurring during the dry months of December to February. Conclusions: The findings highlight the ongoing burden of viral diarrhoea in young children and underscore the need for targeted public health interventions. Recommendations include promoting routine immunization, minimizing exposure during peak transmission periods, isolating symptomatic children, and raising public awareness to reduce infection rates and improve child health outcomes.