[Sentry surveillance study of rotavirus gastroenteritis in Chile].
A sentinel-based outpatient and inpatient surveillance for rotavirus infection has been implemented in Chile.


OBJECTIVE
Update the impact of rotavirus infections in Chile.


METHODS
Ambulatory surveillance is performed in 14 centers from 8 Regions and hospital-based surveillance in 8 hospitals from three Regions (V, VIII and Metropolitan).


RESULTS
In 2007, 339 stool samples that represented 9.3% of all outpatient cases were studied of which 15% were rotavirus positive. A total of 2.074 children younger than 5 years of age were hospitalized representing 9% of all hospitalizations for this age group. Rotavirus was detected in 13.6% of these cases.


CONCLUSIONS
In the current epidemiological situation, rotavirus surveillance needs to be sustained with increased efforts to detect cases in order to avoid underreporting. Serotype/genotype surveillance of rotavirus strains needs to be included in the near future.
Díaz T
Janepsy
J
Ministerio de Salud de Chile División de Planificación Sanitaria Departamento de Epidemiología Unidad de Vigilancia. janepsy@hotmail.com
Olea N
Andrea
A
O'Ryan G
Miguel
M
Mamani M
Nora
N
Galeno A
Héctor
H
Mora R
Judith
J
D000208:Acute Disease; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002677:Chile / Q000453:epidemiology; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D005759:Gastroenteritis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D012400:Rotavirus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D018571:Sentinel Surveillance