Prevalence of rotavirus, adenovirus and enteroparasites in children from a high altitude area of the Ecuadorian Andes

Abstract

Introduction. Intestinal infections caused by Rotavirus, Adenovirus and parasites are one of the health problems that most affect children under 6 years of age, causing high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Objective. To know the prevalence of Rotavirus, Adenovirus and enteroparasites in children from the Ecuadorian Andes. Methodology.  The research was quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive, analytical, field, prospective and cross-sectional. The sample size was determined by applying the finite population formula, probabilistic sampling was carried out. 386 samples were collected from pediatric patients between 6 months and 6 years of age. For the detection of Rotavius ​​and Adenovirus, the Simple Rota-Adeno chromatographic immunoassay (Operon®) was used. Fecal samples were analyzed by macroscopic and microscopic examination with physiological saline/iodine solution. Results. Viral antigens were detected in 128/386 (33.16%) stool samples. The prevalence of Rotavirus (22.28%) was higher than that of Adenovirus (10.88%) (X2= 18.131 p<0.0001). The rate of Rotavirus antigens was higher for children between 6 months and 3 years (44.06%) than that detected in children between 4 and 6 years (21.20%) (X2= 22.710 p<0.0001), . Furthermore, total parasitism reached 88.60%, protozoa (88.60%) (X2=651.826 p<0.0001), with Entamoeba coli being the predominant parasite (43.78%) (X2= 481.088 p<0. 0001), followed by Blastocystis sp. (36.53%). The prevalence of parasites of recognized pathogenicity such as Giardia duodenalis (14.77%), Ascaris lumbricoides and Hymenolepis nana (0.52%) stands out. Conclusion.  The prevalence of viral agents and enteroparasites in the pediatric population analyzed is considerable; Rotavirus was the most common pathogen in younger children. The discovery of the same viral agents and parasitic species detected forces us to review public health policies aimed at reducing the frequency of diarrheal diseases caused by these viruses and intestinal parasites in our child population.