Burden of group A rotavirus infection among children with acute diarrhoea in Lambaréné, Gabon

Abstract

Background: Rotaviruses are among the most common causal pathogens of severe dehydrating diarrhoea in children. Little is known about the burden of rotavirus diarrhoea in Gabon.
Aim: This study aimed to determine the proportion of rotavirus infection in children under 5 years with diarrhoea in Lambaréné and seen at the hospital and factors associated with rotavirus infection.
Setting: The data used in this study were collected between February 2020 and February 2021 in children presenting with acute diarrhoea in the Albert Schweitzer Hospital paediatric ward.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out. Stool samples were tested for rotavirus antigens using the rotavirus Standard Diagnostic (SD) BIOLINE Rota and Adeno enzyme immunoassay detection kit.
Results: A total of 178 children were included in the study. The proportion of rotavirus infection was 22% (n = 39/178; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 16% – 29%). In the multivariate analysis, the rotavirus was independently associated with dehydration (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.65; 95% CI: 1.09–6.86), vomiting (aOR = 3.15; 95% CI: 1.29–8.25), lethargy (aOR = 3.12; 95% CI: 1.16–8.71) and hospitalisation (aOR = 4.63; 95% CI: 1.7–13.65).
Conclusion: Rotavirus infection was associated with severe diarrhoea and hospitalisation. This study shows the need to integrate and support free rotavirus vaccination into the expanded vaccination programme in Gabon.
Contribution: This study provides evidence that could guide public health strategies and inform vaccine policies that could ultimately reduce the burden of rotavirus-associated diarrhoea in children.