Norovirus Infection among Children Under 5 Years of Age In Niger-Delta Zone, Nigeria

Background: Norovirus is now recognized as a major cause of gastroenteritis among children worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Norovirus infection among children that are less than five years of age in Niger-Delta zone, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 263 subjects consisted of 163 children with diarrhea attending Paediat-ric clinics at the Central Hospital, Warri and Federal Medical Center, Yenagoa as well as 100 aged- and sex-matched healthy individuals that served as controls were recruited for this study. Demographic information was obtained through the aid of a well-structured questionnaires. Norovirus was detected by using a rapid lateral flow immunochromatographic assay kit (Biopanda reagents, Belfast, United Kingdom). Results: The overall prevalence of Norovirus infection was 15.3%. The prevalence of Norovirus infection was significantly higher in Delta State than in Bayelsa State (22.9 % vs. 6.7%; OR= 3.6615; 95% CI = 1.378, 9.725; P=0.0092). Children that are less than 5 years of age attending day care centers are greatly affected by Norovirus infection (P=0.0044). Also, poor hand hygiene practice was also a significant risk factor for Norovirus infection among study subjects (P=0.0036). Furthermore, secretors were found to have a 1 to 334 fold increased risk of acquiring Norovirus infection in Delta State than in Bayelsa State (OR=19.28, 95% C.I, 1.1102, 334.68, P=0.0422). Conclusion: The need for routine screening for Norovirus infection among children with diarrhea is advocated. Data from this study as well suggests that genetic and environmental factors play a role in Norovirus infection.