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Published by : PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL PUBLICATIONS |
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ISSN 1681-715X |
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ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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Volume 23 |
July - September 2007 |
Number 4 |
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Prevalence of group a rotavirus, enteric adenovirus, norovirus
and astrovirus infections among children with
acute gastroenteritis in Al-Qassim, Saudi ArabiaMamdoh M. Meqdam1, Ibrahim R. Thwiny2
ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the prevalence of Rotavirus, Adenovirus, Norovirus, and Astrovirus among Saudi children with gastroenteritis.
Methodology: This study was conducted at the Department of Medical Laboratories, Qassim University during the winter seasons of the years 2004 and 2005. A total of 284 diarrhoeal fecal specimens collected from children were tested for the gastroenteritis causing viruses using enzyme immunoassay.
Results: Of the 284 specimens, 142 (50%) were found to be positive for viruses causing gastroenteritis. Rotavirus (66.2%) was the most frequently detected, followed by adenovirus (15.5%), norovirus and astrovirus each with 9.2%. All of rotavirus detected belonged to group A. Eight specimens were found positive by two viruses.
Conclusions: The introduction of simple and rapid tests for diagnosis of viruses causing gastroenteritis in our pediatric hospitals will improve patient care by reducing unnecessary treatments and hospital stay for patients.
KEYWORDS: Rotavirus, Enteric Adenovirus, Acute gastroenteritis.
Pak J Med Sci July - September 2007 Vol. 23 No. 4 551-555
1. Mamdoh M. Meqdam
Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan.
2. Ibrahim R. Thwiny
Buraidah Maternity and Pediatric Hospital,
Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
Correspondence:
Dr. Mamdoh M. Meqdam,
Associate Prof. of Virology & Serology,
Department of Applied Biology,
Jordan University of Science and Technology,
P.O. Box: 3030, Irbid-22110,
Jordan
Email: meqdam@just.edu.jo
* Received for Publication: December 6, 2006
* Revision Received: January 22, 2007
* Revision Accepted: July 24, 2007
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