Rotavirus infection in Humanand Domestic Animals in Sudan

Abstract

The role of rotavirus in causation of diarrhea in infants and young domestic animals in Sudan was studied during 2005-2006. A total of 198 fecal samples were collected from diarrheic as well as clinically healthy infants and domestic animals (85 infants, 50 camel calves, 40 cattle calves, 23 goat kids). All samples were screened for group A rotavirus antigen using ELISA. Positive results were noted in infants and in different animals. The highest percentage of positives was found in cattle samples (n=13, 32.5 %), then goat samples (n=5, 21.7 %); rotavirus positive infants (n=12; 14.1%) and camel calves with rotavirus (n=3; 6%) were also noted. Genomic characterization of the rotavirus samples was conducted by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and the characteristic group A rotavirus electropherotype was observed in human, bovine and camel samples.