Rotavirus in Children's Blood
Author Information
Author(s): Sarah E. Blutt, David O. Matson, Sue E. Crawford, Mary Allen Staat, Parvin Azimi, Berkeley L. Bennett, Pedro A. Piedra, Margaret E. Conner
Primary Institution: Baylor College of Medicine
Hypothesis
Can infectious rotavirus be detected in the blood of children with rotavirus antigenemia?
Conclusion
Most children infected with rotavirus are viremic, and the presence of viremia is related to antigenemia, independent of diarrhea.
Supporting Evidence
- 90% of children with rotavirus-positive stools had detectable antigenemia.
- Infectious virus was found in 100% of antigen-positive sera.
- Antigenemia was present in children without diarrhea.
Takeaway
This study found that many kids with rotavirus have the virus in their blood, not just in their poop, which might explain why they can get sick in other ways.
Methodology
Serum samples from children with gastroenteritis were tested for rotavirus antigen using enzyme immunoassay, and infectious virus was detected through serial passages in cell culture.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in sample selection as only hospitalized children were included.
Limitations
The study may not represent all children with rotavirus infections, as it focused on hospitalized children.
Participant Demographics
Children with gastroenteritis, including those with rotavirus-positive and negative stools, and healthy adults.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.002
Confidence Interval
95% confidence interval -0.66 to -0.15
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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