Virus diversity of acute diarrhea in tropical highlands

Infectious acute diarrhea (IAD) is an important health problem affecting a large number of Latin-American children. Several reports show that bacteria, parasites and virus are involved in the burden of this disease. Most reports reveal Rotavirus A as the responsible etiological agent, at the same time, there seems to be some correlation between IAD and seasonal weather changes. To learn about the type of microbial agents associated with IAD in children during mildly changing yearly climatic conditions, as found in a high altitude tropical city, and to identify the viral agents affecting this population, stool samples from 300 children under 5 years of age were studied throughout a one-year period. Bacteria and intestinal parasites were identified by routine methods, while viruses were detected and typed by EIA and PCR. 20.6% of the IAD studied was associated with bacteria; 9% with parasites and 40% with virus. Group C Rotavirus accounted for 20.2%, group A Rotavirus for 13% and Calicivirus 10%. During November-April (p<0.007) more virus associated IAD was found, while bacteria (p<0.03) or parasite (p<0.00014) related IAD was prevalent from May to October. The mild seasonal weather changes don't seem to be associated with any other microbial agent.