Epidemiology of rotavirus caused diarrhoea in infants in Oman

Abstract

To investigate the epidemiology of rotavirus associated diarrhoea in children under 5 years of age in Sultanate of Oman. Methods: Data about the incidence of gastroenteritis, reported clinic visits, hospitalization during 2006-2008 was collected and statistically analyzed. Two regions were selected for the study (North and South Batinah). ELISA for detection of group A rotavirus antigen was applied on 200 fecal samples collected from diarrhoeic infants in the study area. Results: During 2006-2008 North Batinah had reported the highest prevalence rate (51.5%) of 2672 rotavirus tested feacal samples. Most of rotavirus positive cases were at 7-12 months of age. The incidence of diarrhea was slightly more in males (54- 55%). Out of 200 ELISA tested faecal samples in 2008, rotavirus antigen was detected in 125 (62.5%), of which 69.6% were in North Batinah while only 30.4 were in South Batinah. Highest prevalence of rotavirus was observed in 7-12 months of age (59%). Males comprised 53.6% of total positives. Conclusions: Rotavirus infection is found to be widely distributed in Oman. Highest prevalence of rotavirus was observed in 7-12 months of age (59%). Rotavirus associated diarrhea is more prevalent in North Batinah area in Oman.