Prevalence of Gastroeneteritis Caused by Rotavirus in the Children of Southeastern Anatolia

Objective: Acute gastroenteritis is an important cause for morbidity and mortality in the children. Rotavirus is an important viral agent in the aetiology of childhood gastroenteritis globally. Rotavirus may vary depending on the climate and geographical territory. The aim of the present study was to search for the prevalence of rotavirus in paediatric patients who have referred due to acute gastroenteritis in Sanlıurfa province of South-eastern Anatolia. Method: Stool sample records of 5,777 cases who have referred to Harran University Hospital because of gastroenteritis between march 2016 and March, 2018 were evaluated according to the age, season and month. Results: Rotavirus antigens were detected in 532 (9.2%) stool samples. The cases with positive viral antigen were most common in 13 to 24-month age group by 36.8%. The most common period was fall with a rate of 35.3%, and the most common month was October by 15.6%. Conclusion: Rotavirus gastroenteritis is observed with a prevalence rate of 9.2% in Sanliurfa province of South-eastern Anatolia. Rotavirus, the most common agent for gastroenteritis in paediatric patients below 2 years of age, between 13 and 24 months in particular, should be searched during October in fall season.