Rotavirus-associated acute gastroenteritis in children under five years: a cross-sectional study from southern Iran.

Background and Objectives: Rotavirus is a major cause of acute gastroenteritis in children. This study assessed the frequency and clinical characteristics of rotavirus infection in children under five years old. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 on children with acute gastroenteritis. Clinical and demographic data were collected, dehydration severity was assessed by a pediatrician, and stool samples obtained within 48 hours of admission were tested for rotavirus antigen using ELISA. Results: A total of 301 children with acute gastroenteritis were included. Rotavirus antigen was detected in 34.6% of cases. Vomiting (81.2%) and diarrhea (96.1%) were significantly common among rotavirus-positive children (p = 0.01). Severe dehydration (>10%) and the need for parenteral rehydration were observed more frequently among rotavirus-positive children compared with rotavirus-negative cases (20.9% vs. 9.2%, p = 0.02 and 91.1% vs. 78.1%, p = 0.01, respectively). However, these findings should be interpreted cautiously, as clinical severity may also have been influenced by other demographic and clinical factors. Conclusion: Rotavirus was detected in a considerable proportion of children with acute gastroenteritis in southern Iran. Rotavirus-positive cases showed more frequent severe dehydration, although this finding should be interpreted cautiously. Early assessment and supportive care remain important.