Epidemiological-Clinical and Evolution Profile of Rotavirus Infection in Four Hospital Structures in Kinshasa
Author(s): Virginie MUJINGA MULUMBA, Loukia AKETI PAIZANOS*, Freddy BYAMUNGU MBOKO, Joseph SHIKU DIAYISU, Pierre TSHIBASSU MANIANGA, Jean-Jacques MUYEMBE TAMFUM
Context: The Democratic Republic of Congo is counted among the 11 countries in the world that share the heavy burden of mortality from rotavirus gastroenteritis, so it’s epidemiological and clinical situation has not been sufficiently reported. The objective of the study was to contribute to improving the management of rotavirus gastroenteritis by determining it’s epidemiological, clinical and evolution profile in children in Kinshasa.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study from August 1, 2011 to July 31, 2012, carried out on the stools of 454 children aged 0 to 5 years admitted for acute gastroenteritis in 4 study sites. The search for rotavirus in the stools was carried out using the immuno-enzymatic technique ELISA SANDWICH. The usual descriptive analyzes were carried out.
Results: Rotavirus diarrhea accounted for 66.5% of acute gastroenteritis; the mean age of infected children was 8.56 ± 4.52 months; we noted a male predominance with a sex ratio of 1.5 and the frequency of rotavirus gastroenteritis increases during the dry or cold season (May, June, July and August).
Conclusion: Rotavirus gastroenteritis in children under 5 years old in our environment remains a major challenge and small infants (before 12 months) are the most affected.