A survey of rotavirus associated with gastroenteritis in Aboriginal children in Western Australia

Abstract

In a year-long survey which was carried out between April, 1975, and March, 1976, faecal specimens from Aboriginal and some non-Aboriginal children who suffered from gastroenteritis were examined by electron microscopy for rotavirus, and also tested for bacteria and parasites. The children were under six years of age and came from all parts of Western Australia, except Perth. Rotaviruses, "astroviruses" and adenoviruses were detected as well as the usual potentially pathogenic bacteria and parasites. Two peaks of rotavirus incidence were found during the year in specimens from Kalgoorlie, but only one peak occurred in Derby. Rotavirus was somewhat more frequently seen in non-Aboriginal than Aboriginal children.