A Prospective Study of Rotavirus Infection in Infants and Young Children

TLDR

A prospective cohort of 104 infants and 62 siblings was followed for an average of 16.3 months, with stool and serum samples collected quarterly and tested for rotavirus and other enteropathogens by electron microscopy, culture, and serology. During the study, 237 gastroenteritis episodes were recorded, with rotavirus identified in 82 episodes among 72 children—most common pathogen, linked to gastrointestinal symptoms in 72 % (diarrhea in 65 %), occurring mainly in winter, more often accompanied by respiratory symptoms, and by age two, 62 % of infants had experienced at least one infection, while breastfeeding and cord blood antibodies offered no protection.

Abstract

Diarrhea in neonates, followed as a cohort, and their families wasstudied prospectively. The families were followed for an average of 16.3 months. Stool and serum specimens were obtained at least every three months. Stool specimens were examined for viruses by electron microscopy and cultured for enteropathogens, and serum specimens were tested for antibodies to rotavirus and Norwalkvirus. During the study, 237episodes of gastroenteritis were observed in 104 infants and their 62 siblings. Rotavirus, detected 82 timesin 72 children, wasby far the most common enteropathogen. It was associated with gastrointestinal symptoms in 72% (with diarrhea in 65%). Rotavirus diarrhea occurred mostly in winter months and was significantly more frequently associated with respiratory symptoms than were diarrheas with other etiologies. Rotavirus infection was uncommon in the first six months of life, but by two years of age, 62% of the infants had had at least one infection. Neither breast feeding nor the presence of antibody to rotavirus in cord blood appeared to be protective.