Rotavirus Prevalence in Children with Acute Gastroenteritis Admitted to a Tertiary Hospital in Somalia in 2020-2023: A Retrospective, Single-Center Study.

Abstract

Purpose: Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe and fatal diarrhea in African children. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of rotavirus in children with acute gastroenteritis admitted to a tertiary hospital in Somalia.

Patients and methods: 5804 children who applied with complaints of acute gastroenteritis between January 2020 and December 2023 were examined retrospectively. Rotavirus antigens were detected in the feces of 1324 patients by qualitative immunochromatographic analysis. The frequency of rotavirus gastroenteritis was evaluated according to age, gender and seasonal distribution. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 22.0.

Results: In the years, an increase in the number of patients tested with suspicion of rotavirus and an increase in rotavirus positivity was observed. While the positivity rate was 8.1% (n = 107) in 2020, it increased to 41.4% (n = 548) in 2023. Viral antigens were identified in 1324 of 5804 patients (22.8%). 743 (56.1%) of the children were boys and 581 (43.9%) were girls. The incidence of rotavirus positive cases was higher in the summer and spring months and in children aged 0-2 years (78.6%) (p<0.001). Diarrhea due to rotavirus was seen throughout the year. The monthly rotavirus antigen positivity rate in patients admitted to the hospital due to acute gastroenteritis reached its peak in May with 17.2%.

Conclusion: The results of this study showed us that rotavirus is a common cause of acute gastroenteritis in infants. Rotavirus gastroenteritis, which causes significant mortality and morbidity all over the world, is still seen at a high rate of 22.8% in Somalia. We are of the opinion that public health education, good hygiene practices and an effective vaccination program can reduce rotavirus infection.