Frequency of nosocomial rotavirus infections, factors affecting its development in children under five years of age and typing of the virus

Viruses and especially rotavirus are commonly encountered in cases of nosocomial gastroenteritis during childhood period. Studies dealing with nosocomial gastroenteritis are mostly based on survey of the records covering particular seasonal and epidemic periods. Number of prospective studies about this topic is very few. This study was designed as a prospective study in children aged 1-60 months in order to define the frequency of nosocomial rotavirus gastroenteritis, factors affecting development of this infection and rotavirus serotypes in these cases.A total of 467 cases aged 1-60 months who had been hospitalised due to various diagnosis at infant and toddler wards of Gazi University Medical Faculty Hospital during 15 April 2009 to 15 April 2010 were included in this study. In 51 of these cases nosocomial gastroenteritis was developed. Stool specimens obtained from the patients were initially investigated by ELISA test to detect Group A rotavirus antigen and then G and P typing was done by RT-PCR test in rotavirus antigen positive specimens. Risk factors that might affect nosocomial rotavirus infections were evaluated.In the present study, incidence and incidence density of nosocomial gastroenteritis was found to be 11/100 patient, 5,6/1000 ill day, respectivelywhereas incidence of nosocomial rotavirus infection and incidence density was shown to be 2,8/100 and 1,42/1000 respectively. Hospitalisation due to another infection and being not breastfed ever were found to be the risk factors contributing development of rotavirus infection. The most common rotavirus genotype was detected as G9P[8] (%25).When the literature was searched for studies dealing with nosocomial rotavirus infections in our country no studies have been found. It has been thought that this study is critically important being the first study investigating this issue.Key words: Rotavirus, nasocomial gastroenteritis, risk factors