Screening for Rotavirus Group A and Campylobacter co-infection among Egyptian children with acute gastroenteritis in a tertiary care hospital

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt

2 Pediatrics Department - Faculty of Medicine - Zagazig University - Elsharkia Governorate- 44519- Egypt

3 Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department - Faculty of Medicine, Fakous branch - Zagazig University - Elsharkia Governorate- 44519-Egypt.

Abstract

Background: This cross-sectional screening study aims to investigate the frequency, epidemiologic, and clinical features of Rotavirus group A (RVA) and Campylobacter co-infection among children diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis (AGE). Methods: Ninety-two stool samples were collected from children under 5 years of age with AGE. Stool samples were screened for RVA and Campylobacter using enzyme immunoassays. Results: RVA VP6 antigen was detected in 22 samples, representing 23.9%. Four samples tested positive for Campylobacter, accounting for 4.3% of the total samples analyzed. All samples tested negative for Campylobacter mono-infection. Campylobacter and RVA co-infection was more common in older children (17.5 months vs. 10 months, p=0.01) and was prevalent in the summer (p=0.019). Compared to RVA mono-infection, Campylobacter and RVA co-infection was associated with elevated fever (p=0.0001), increased total leukocyte count (p=0.012), higher CRP levels (p=0.007), and a positive response to anti-infective medications (p=0.047). Conclusion: RVA infection is a common etiology of acute diarrhea among children in Egypt. Despite the infrequency of RVA and Campylobacter co-infections, laboratory analyses can aid in predicting these conditions and should be incorporated into the design of individualized treatment plans.

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