The epidemiological study on viral diarrhoea in Thailand
Wasi, C.; Louisirirotchanakul, S.; Thakerngpol, K.; Satrasook, S.; Surakhala, M.; Varavithya, W.; Thongcharoen, P.
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 67(7): 369-375
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-2208 PMID: 6512444 Document Number: 238443
An epidemiological study on viral diarrhea in Thailand was conducted, based on 371 patients under 5 yr of age, 198 age-matched controls and 413 household contacts. Stools were examined for rotavirus by the ELISA [enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay] technique and EM. Rotavirus was responsible for 31% of pediatric diarrhea; adenoviruses, small round virus-like particles and coronavirus like particles played only a very minor role. Rotavirus diarrhea is probably responsible for the frequent peak of diarrhea in the winter but not in the summer; the latter is most likely due to bacterial diarrhea. Children aged 6 mo.-2 yr had higher incidence of rotavirus diarrhea. The hospitalized patients had higher proportion of rotavirus than outpatients, suggesting that rotavirus played a more prominent role in more severe cases of diarrhea. Household contacts showed negligible diseases and viruses, indication that the viral diarrhea in children under 5 yr was sporadic and not epidemic.