Epidemiological studies on rotavirus associated with diarrhoea among calves and children in Kaduna state, Nigeria

Abstract

Rotaviruses are enteric pathogens causing acute, watery, dehydrating diarrhoea in various host species, including birds and mammals. A total of 716 diarrhoeic stool samples were collected comprising of 249 from calves and 467 from children within Kaduna State Nigeria. Rotavirus antigen was detected in the stools of calves by NSP3 Real-Time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction, while RV antigens were detected in children using Enzyme Linked Immunosobent Assay (ELISA). Rotavirus was detected in 34 of the 249 stool sample from calves (13.7%). The infection was higher in males (15.7%:16/102) compared to females calves (12.3%: 11/147). The highest number of cases was detected among calves 2-3 months of age (22.9%:8/35). Further analysis of the result showed no significant difference between rotavirus infection in calves with mode of feeding and presence of other animals in the farm (p>0.05). There was significant difference between rotavirus infection and sanitation on farm and source of water for calves (p<0.05). An overall RV prevalence of 31.0% (143/467) was obtained in children. The infection was higher in females (32.1%:79/246) compared to males (29.9%:66/221). The highest burden was detected in children 25-36 months of age (36.4%:22/77). There was no significant association between source of drinking water boiling of drinking water, attendance of day care and playing with toys and the prevalence of rotavirus (P>0.05). The study has revealed that rotavirus remains an important cause of acute diarrhoea among calves and children in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Hence the need for improvement in sanitation and the implemention of the vaccines into the childhood immunization programme.

Key words: Rotaviruses, Stools, Calves, Children, Risk factors, Diarrhoea.