ISSN 2169-3048
International Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology ISSN 2169-3048 Vol. 14 (3), pp. 001-004, March, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Astrovirus Infection Prevalence Among Children in Nasarawa State, Nigeria
F.A. Kuta, D. Damisa, N.U. Adabara and R. Abdulsalam
Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State.
Accepted 14 July, 2014
This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of astrovirus involved in gastroenteritis among children in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A total of 144 stool samples were collected from diarrheic children in two major hospitals in the state. The stool samples were screened for possible detection of astroviruses, using Enzyme Linked Immunosor-bent assay. Twenty three (23) were found positive, representing 16%. Male children had higher prevalence compared to their female counterpart. Children within the age group 0 – 1 year recorded higher 8.30% prevalence compared to other age groups. It was observed that children that drink water from well had more prevalence than those that drink water from other sources. Chi square test revealed no significant relationship between sex, age, water sources and the rate of infection. More awareness on the route of transmission should be intensified.
Keywords: Astrovirus, Infection in Children.