Viruses excreted in neonatal stools

Abstract

Faecal specimens from 122 infants in the Neonatal Unit at Ga-Rankuwa Hospital were examined by electron microscopy for the presence of virus. In total 40% of the neonates were excreting virus. Rotavirus was the commonest, found in 33.5% of the infants, with small round viruses (SRVs) found in 12.3% and adenovirus seen in 1 baby. RNA analysis of the rotavirus genome revealed a similar electrophoretype in all specimens. Most of the babies infected with rotavirus were less than 7 days old, and very little excretion occurred after 21 days of age. Only 8% of the babies excreting virus had any clinical signs of infection. Rotavirus infection appears to be endemic and SRV infection common in the Neonatal Unit at Ga-Rankuwa Hospital.