Work

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

Year: 2026

Type: article

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: = 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.

Source: Journal of Public Health in Africa

DOI: 10.4102/jphia.v17i1.1617