[Viral gastroenteritis. An epidemiologic investigation between the period 2001-2006].
BACKGROUND
The most common causes for diarrhea both in children and adults are of viral genesis. Thereby rota-, noro-, adeno-, and astroviruses are mentioned in descending order. The diagnosis of these frequently nosocomial infections can easily result from virus antigen detection of stool samples.


METHODS
In this retrospective epidemiologic survey of the number of annual stool samples of patients with gastroenteritis, the frequency scale of each virus as well as seasonal aspects, the genital arrangement, and age distribution of mainly patients of the University Hospital Frankfurt/Main and some other health institutions in the closer surrounding were analyzed during the period 2001-2006.


RESULTS
The proficiency rate of viral investigations amounts to about 10-20%. Similar to previous years, the rotavirus infection poles the most frequent cause of infantile gastroenteritis in Germany. The second place is taken by another adeno- or by norovirus. Astrovirus infections have been seen more rarely in the last 3 years.


CONCLUSIONS
In accordance with recent surveys in other regions it is shown that nowadays the main part of infectious gastroenteritis is caused by norovirus type 2 and--in opposition to rotavirus--elderly people are preferentially affected.
Institut für Medizinische Virologie und reisemedizinische Impfambulanz, Universitätsklinik Frankfurt/Main, Paul-Ehrlich-Strasse 40, Frankfurt/Main. allwinn@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Regina
R
Allwinn
Bettina
B
Janz
Hans Wilhelm
HW
Doerr
D000258:Adenovirus Infections, Human / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D019350:Astroviridae Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology; D017250:Caliciviridae Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003968:Diarrhea, Infantile / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry; D005759:Gastroenteritis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology*; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D001257:Mamastrovirus; D008875:Middle Aged; D029322:Norovirus; D012400:Rotavirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology; D012621:Seasons
D000956:Antigens, Viral