Prevalence of gastrointestinal viral infections in pediatrics with gastroenteritis referred to hospital in northwest Iran

Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is a leading cause of morbidity in children under five, with viral pathogens such as rotavirus, norovirus, adenovirus, sapovirus, astrovirus, and bocaviruses being major contributors. Despite its global impact, data on these pathogens' prevalence and seasonal distribution in specific regions remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, seasonal patterns, and demographic associations of viral pathogens causing AGE in pediatric patients in northwest Iran. In 2023, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 180 children under five years old presenting with AGE at a referral hospital. Stool samples were analyzed using Real-Time PCR ( RT-PCR ) to detect six viral pathogens. Data were evaluated for seasonal and demographic correlations. Rotavirus was the most prevalent pathogen, identified in 15.6 % of cases, followed by adenovirus (7.8 %), sapovirus (4.4 %), norovirus (3.3 %), astrovirus (2.2 %), and bocavirus (1.1 %). Rotavirus infections significantly peaked during winter (60.7 %, p = 0.03). Rotavirus was more prevalent in patients aged 6–12 months, while adenovirus was more prevalent in patients aged 1–4 (p = 0.001 and 0.005, respectively). No significant association was found between gender and infection rates for any virus. Rotavirus remains the leading cause of pediatric AGE in northwest Iran, with a pronounced winter peak. The findings underscore the importance of targeted vaccination programs, advanced diagnostics, and continued surveillance to address regional and seasonal variations in viral gastroenteritis. • Rotavirus was the most prevalent pathogen (15.6 %) in pediatric gastroenteritis. • Winter peak: 60.7 % of rotavirus cases occurred in the cold season (p = 0.03). • Age-specific trends: Rotavirus was most common in 6–12 months old infants (p = 0.001). • Real-Time PCR was used to detect six major viral pathogens in stool samples. • Findings highlight the need for vaccination programs and enhanced surveillance.