Rotavirus Infection in Children with Acute Gastroenteritis in Ecuador *

Abstract

Electron microscipic examination of stools of 702 infants and young children hospitalized in the Emergency Service of the Alejandro Mann Children's Hospital in Guayaquil, Ecuador, between August 1978 and October 1979 showed rotavirus to be present in 148 (21.1%). During the study period rotavirus was detected throughout the year, with no distinct seasonal variation. In addition to rotavirus, adenovirus was detected in stools of five (0.7%) of the patients and unidentified small round virus particles in seven (1.0%).