Özet:

Abstract İntroduction: Rotavirus is the most frequent viral pathogen in childhood gastroenteritis worldwide. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of rotavirus in children with diarrhea in Karabuk province and to investigate their relationship with age, gender and season. Materials and Methods: Rotavirus antigen was investigated by immunochromatographic method in stool samples of patients with diarrhea aged 0-12 years admitted to our hospital between January 2016 and December 2016. Distribution of the rotavirus frequency was retrospectively evaluated according to age, gender, and seasons. Results: Rotavirus antigen was detected in 195 (6.7%) of 2879 stool specimens. The frequency of rotavirus was similar in both genders. (p > 0.05). 79% of children with rotavirus were five years of age or younger. Rotavirus was most commonly detected in spring. (p <0.001) Discussion and Conclusion: In our region, rotavirus should be considered as a cause of gastroenteritis in children under five years of age in the spring season. Rapid detection of rotavirus in stool samples is very important. Early diagnosis of rotavirus infection will prevent unnecessary antibiotic consumption. So, it will contribute to rational antibiotic using policies. Therefore, it is advisable to perform rotavirus antigen test in primary health care facilities routinely.

Anahtar Kelimeler: