Viral etiology and incidence associated with acute gastroenteritis in a 5-year survey in Gyeonggi province, South Korea

Abstract 

Background

Acute gastroenteritis caused by viruses is one of the leading causes of childhood morbidity.

Objective

The incidence and etiology of virus-associated gastroenteritis during 2001–2005 in Gyeonggi province, South Korea was determined.

Study design

A total of 10,028 stool specimens were analyzed with enzyme immunoassay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and nucleotide sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis of genotype sequences was performed for each of four commonly detected viral pathogens.

Results

At least one viral agent was detected in 29.0% (2908 of 10,028) of the stool samples. Among these, rotavirus was most numerous (66.7%) followed by norovirus (12.6%), astrovirus (11.9%), and enteric adenovirus (2.6%). Mixed infections were identified in 180 cases (1.8%). Patients aged 1–5 years had the largest proportion 83.6% (2430 of 2908) of virus-positive stool specimens. Viral-mediated gastroenteritis was most common from December to May. The most prevalent strains of rotavirus, adenovirus, astrovirus, and norovirus were G1 type, type 41, G1 type, and GII-1 type, respectively.

Conclusions

Our finding showed the diversity of viral causative agents of gastroenteritis and the prevalence of each gastroenteritis-associated viral genotype in South Korea.

Keywords: Viral gastroenteritis, Epidemiology, Phylogenetic analysis