Int J Infect Dis

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. 2018 Aug;73:52-59.
doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2018.06.006. Epub 2018 Jun 15.

Acute gastroenteritis in a pediatric

population from Cali, Colombia in
the post rotavirus vaccine era
Eduardo López-Medina 1, Beatriz Parra 2, Diana M Dávalos 3, Pio López 4, Eder
Villamarín 5, Melissa Pelaez 2
Affiliations expand

 PMID: 29908961

 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2018.06.006

Free article

Abstract
Background: Epidemiological data from Latin America on acute gastroenteritis
(AGE) in the post rotavirus vaccine era obtained using highly sensitive molecular
techniques are scarce.

Methods: This prospective surveillance study was performed between March 15,
2015 and March 19, 2016 in two municipal health networks (MHNs) in Cali,
Colombia to detect AGE in children <5 years of age. Consecutive sampling was
performed simultaneously in all health facilities belonging to both MHNs until
completion of the required sample size. Stool samples from AGE patients were
tested with a nucleic acid assay for 16 pathogens. Detection frequency and
incidence rates were obtained for specific pathogens according to age-group in
children with AGE leading to hospitalization or outpatient care.

Results: Overall incidence rates of AGE-related hospitalization and outpatient care

were 20 and 237 per 1000 children <5 years of age, respectively. Despite almost
complete rotavirus vaccine uptake, rotavirus was the most common etiology
overall, including hospitalization and outpatient treatment of 0-23-month-olds,
with incidence rates of 12 and 108 per 1000 children, respectively. Norovirus
incidence rates were similar to rotavirus rates in this age group and associated with
high Vesikari scores. Shigella predominated in 24-59-month-olds.

Conclusions: AGE remains an important cause of morbidity in children under 5

years of age, especially in those under 2 years. Rotavirus remains the leading AGE-
associated pathogen, followed closely by norovirus in younger children. Preventive
measures, including novel vaccination strategies, are necessary in this population to
further reduce AGE-related morbidity.

Keywords: Diarrhea; Epidemiology; Etiology; Gastroenteritis; Incidence.

Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved