Epidemiology of rotavirus caused diarrhoea in infants in Oman

Abstract EN

Objectives: To investigate the epidemiology of rotavirus associated diarrhoea in children under 5 years of age in Sultanate of Oman.

Methods: Data about the incidence of gastroenteritis, reported clinic visits, hospitalization during 2006-2008 was collected and statistically analyzed.

Two regions were selected for the study (North and South Batinah).

ELISA for detection of group A rotavirus antigen was applied on 200 fecal samples collected from diarrhoeic infants in the study area.

Results: During 2006-2008 North Batinah had reported the highest prevalence rate (51.5%) of 2672 rotavirus tested feacal samples.

Most of rotavirus positive cases were at 7-12 months of age.

The incidence of diarrhea was slightly more in males (54- 55%).

Out of 200 ELISA tested faecal samples in 2008, rotavirus antigen was detected in 125 (62.5%), of which 69.6% were in North Batinah while only 30.4 were in South Batinah.

Highest prevalence of rotavirus was observed in 7-12 months of age (59%).

Males comprised 53.6% of total positives.

Conclusions: Rotavirus infection is found to be widely distributed in Oman.

Highest prevalence of rotavirus was observed in 7-12 months of age (59%).

Rotavirus associated diarrhea is more prevalent in North Batinah area in Oman.-