Epidemiology of astrovirus infection among children (0 – 5years) in Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

The prevalence of astrovirus infection among children (0–5years) in Niger State was investigated and determined to be 7.6%. Male children had high prevalence (4.6%) compared to their female counterparts (3%). Similarly, children within the age group 0 – 1 year recorded the high (4.04%) prevalence compared to other age groups. It was observed that children from rural areas of the state had prevalence of 5.1% while those from urban areas recorded 2.5%. At the rainy season, the prevalence of infection was 5.6% and in the dry season the prevalence was low (2.0%). Chi square test revealed that there was no link between sex, age, location of residence, seasonal variation and astrovirus infection among children in Niger State. Hospital and community base studies should be encouraged in order to ascertain the true picture of the prevalence.

Keywords: Epidemiology, Astrovirus, Children, Gastroenteritis, Prevalence, Infection.