Rotavirus-Associated Diarrhoeal Disease in Libyan Infants up to One Year of Age

The incidence of rotavirus-associated diarrhea in 390 cases of hospital-based Libyan neonates (age: •28 days) and infants (age: < 28 days to 1 year) with symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting was studied over a period of 12 consecutive months. Rotaviral antigen in the fecal specimens was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay technique using Enzygnost reagents of Behringwerke, West Germany. Fecal specimens were assigned as 'positive' or 'negative' for rotaviral antigen as per criteria of the assay kit. The overall rotaviral incidence (% ± standard error) was 16.9% ± 1.8 (66/390) with 8.1% ± 2.2 (11/135) and 21.5% ± 2.5 (55/255) occurring in neonates and infants respectively (Neonates vs Infants: 2=11.31, p< 0.001). The monthly incidence showed seasonal variations with higher percentages occurring during February (25%, 6/24), May (23,5%, 8/34), June (21%, 8/38), September (26.6%, 12/45), and December (20%, 6/30). The significance of these findings are discussed and compared with reports from other countries.