ROLE OF ROTAVIRUS IN ACUTE GASTRO-ENTERITIS IN CHILDREN IN JOS
ROLE OF ROTAVIRUS IN ACUTE GASTRO-ENTERITIS IN CHILDREN IN JOS
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Date
1987-10
Authors
GUSHAM, TELFUN LOHYA
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Abstract
Four hundred and forty two (442) stool samples
collected from infants and young children 0-5 years old with
acute gastro—enteritis attending clinics and hospitals in
Jos, Nigeria between May 1986 and April 1987 were examined
for the presence of rota-virus using the Enzyme—linked
Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Out of the 442 diarrhea stool
samples examined, 146 were positive giving a prevalence of 33
per cent. Rota-virus was found to occur throughout the year
with higher prevalence during the dry (58-7 per cent) than
rainy season (21.4 per cent). This suggests an apparent
seasonal variation in the occurrence of rota-virus with low
relative humidity being the most influential climatic factor.
No clear-cut relationship between the prevalence of rota-virus
and mean minimum and mean maximum temperatures were observed.
Rota-virus was found most prevalent in the 0—6 months age
group children and this decreased with age. The most significant
risk factor associated with rota-virus infection was
the type of feeding. The presence of children less than two
years old in the household, type of community (urban and
rural), socioeconomic status (high and low), source of water
for home use and mode of excreta disposal were not associated
with rota-virus infection.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Postgraduate School,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the award of the Degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE
Department of Microbiology,
Faculty of Science
Ahmadu Bello University
Zaria
OCTOBER, 1987
Keywords
ROLE,, ROTAVIRUS,, ACUTE,, GASTRO-ENTERITIS,, CHILDREN.