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PASSIVE PROTECTION AGAINST HOSPITAL ACQUIRED SYMPTOMATIC ROTAVIRUS GASTROENTERITIS IN INDIA AND HONG KONG.
Davidson GP, Tam J, Kirubakaran C. Gastroenterology Unit, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, North Adelaide, South Australia. Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Children’s Hospital,Shatin, Hong Kong and Christioan Medical College Hospital, Vellore, South India.
J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutri 1994; 19: 351.
Joint meeting of North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition and European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Huston, Texas, 10-12th October 1999.
ABSTRACT:
Hospital acquired rotavirus infection is a major problem in paediatric hospitals and neonatal nurseries typically causing symptoms of gastroenteritis in about 10% of hospitalised children under three years of age. We have previously shown that hyperimmune bovine colostrum (HBC) with high antibody titres against the four major rotavirus serotypes will protect against hospital acquired rotavirus infection in a developed community. The aim of this study was to expose the antirotavirus HIC to wide range of rotavirus serotypes during a single epidemic period.
In Hong Kong and India a total of 152 hospitalized children age one to 36 months were fed either antirotavirus containing HIC (50) or non immune colostrum (102) three times daily for the duration of hospital stay ad for 3 days after hospital discharge. All children were followed for one week after discharge. The results are tabulated below:
|
India
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Hong Kong
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Active
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Control
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Active
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Control
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| Number |
23
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50
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27
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52
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| Symptomatic Infection |
0
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5
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0
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8
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| Percentage |
0
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10
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0
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15
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The major rotavirus serotypes were found in India and two in Hong Kong.
Antirotavirus HIC totally protected against symptomatic rotavirus infection. This is a very cost effective way of preventing hospital acquired infection with the potential to reduce intrafamilial and community spread and protect immunocompromised children.
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