Role of viruses in acute gastroenteritis in infants and young children at Vellore, south India
Mathews, M.S.; Pereira, S.M.; Kirubakaran, C.; Mathan, M.M.
Journal of Tropical Pediatrics 42(3): 151-153
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0142-6338 PMID: 8699581 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/42.3.151Document Number: 313839
The aetiological contribution of viral agents in the causation of acute diarrhoea was studied prospectively in 915 infants and young children aged 1-35 months. This was a hospital-based study, selection being carried out by proportionate random sampling; 587 matched controls were also investigated simultaneously. Methods of detection included direct electron microscopy, ELISA for rotaviruses and immune electron microscopy. Rotaviruses emerged as the single most important cause with highest prevalence in the 6-11-month age group. The contribution of other agents was negligible. Electron microscopy, though a 'catch-all' technique, is not a cost-effective diagnostic method for developing countries.