Prevalence of Rotavirus among Children in Baghdad, Iraq, detected by molecular methods.

Abstract

Background: Rotavirus, a leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in young children, has a significant global impact due to its high prevalence and potential for causing severe dehydration.

Study design: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of rotavirus among children under five years old in Baghdad, Iraq using molecular technique.

Methods: Between November 2022 and August 2023, 120 stool specimens were collected from children exhibiting symptoms of diarrhea at a pediatric hospital. Rotavirus infection was assessed using immunochromatographic test and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction to detect and characterize the VP7 gene, a key marker of rotavirus infection.

Results: It was observed that 97 out of 120 specimens tested positive for rotavirus, with immunochromatographic test detecting 110 cases (91.8%) and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction identifying 97 cases (80.8%) positive for the VP7 gene. The highest infection rates were observed in males (63.92%) and children aged 13-24 months (50.5%). Statistical analysis revealed an 80.8% overall prevalence of rotavirus among the study population.

Conclusions: These findings underscore the significant burden of rotavirus infection in Baghdad and highlight the effectiveness of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in detecting rotavirus strains. The results align with previous studies in Iraq, emphasizing the need for continued surveillance and vaccination efforts to control rotavirus-related diarrhea and reduce its impact on young children in the region.