Background & objectives: Rotavirus is the major cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in infant and young children all over the world. The objective of the study was to compare different methods for rotavirus detection
Methods: This study included 65 children with AGE and 35 healthy control. Stool samples were obtained and assayed for rotavirus by immunochromatography test (ICT), enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantitative real time RT-PCR (qr RT-PCR).
Results: 50(76.9%) out of the 65 patients were positive by qrRT-PCR followed by 45(69.2%) by ICT and 44(67.7%) by ELISA. In addition there was statistically significant association between the severity of the disease as determined by the Vesikari score and rotavirus infection.
Conclusion and recommendation: This study highlights the substantial health burden of rotavirus AGE among children less than 5 years of age. These data should help pediatricians and policy makers assess the potential benefits of introducing a rotavirus vaccine.