SEASONAL FLUCTUATIONS IN THE OCCURRENCE OF ENTERO-TOXIGENIC BACTERIA AND ROTAVIRUS IN PEDIATRIC DIARRHEA IN ADDIS-ABABA

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 59  (1) , 67-73
Abstract
This study (March 1977-Feb. 1978) was performed at a pediatric clinic in Addis Ababa to determine whether there were any seasonal fluctuations in the occurrence of diarrhea associated with enterotoxigenic enterobacteria (ETEB), rotavirus and 2 parasites (Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica). A total of 1161 children (962 patients and 199 controls) were investigated. ETEB were isolated in 12.2% of the patients and 4.5% of the controls, rotavirus in 27.8% and 8% and parasites in 6.8% and 1%, respectively. There is a statistically significant difference in the isolation rates between patients and controls (P < 0.001 for rotavirus, P < 0.01 for ETEB and parasites). Rotavirus was the most prevalent isolate in the 7-12 mo. age group; ETEB was most prevalent during the 2nd yr of life; parasites showed a continuous increase with age. Two peaks in the occurrence of ETEB were found during the yr; the 1st peak was in Aug. (32.6%); the 2nd peak was in Jan. (19.2%). Two peaks for rotavirus, though not as distinct as for ETEB, were seen in June (42.7%) and Nov. (36.4%). The isolation rate of parasites showed no consistent pattern during the year. A seasonal occurrence of ETEB and rotavirus with no apparent correlation to climatological factors was suggested.