EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF NOROVIRUS INFECTION AMONG CHILDREN IN BAKU CITY

Abstract

The article presents the results of a study on some epidemiological features of norovirus intestinal infection among children in Baku. The study aimed to determine the incidence of norovirus intestinal infection among children in different age and gender groups, as well as depending on the season, and to characterize the epidemic process. 411 children aged 0-18 who were admitted to different children's hospitals in Baku city were examined using immunoassay analysis methods for some intestinal viruses, including group A rotavirus, adenovirus serotypes 40/41, and norovirus. The maximum level of detection of intestinal infection with norovirus in the 1-3 age group is 35.4±3.0%. The incidence of norovirus intestinal infection was higher among boys (56.1±3.2%) than among girls (43.9±3.2%). Intestinal infection with norovirus was observed more in the spring season (46.7±3.2%), less in the autumn season (11.4±2.0%). During norovirus intestinal infection, the period of the epidemic process seems to consist of 2 high and one low amplitude cycles with the epidemic rise and fall of the incidence recorded in almost all seasons of the year. In 2018, between 2 virus associations, RV±NV – 8.5%, AdV+NV – 6.8% and RV+AdV – 10.2% of cases, 3 virus associations RV+AdV+NV were identified in 6.8% of cases has been done. In 2019, between 2 virus associations, RV+NV – 5.5%, AdV+NV – 20.8% and RV+AdV – 8.2% were recorded. 3 viral association RV+AdV+NV – confirmed in 5.1% cases. In 2020, between 2 virus associations, RV+NV – 15.3%, AdV+NV – 23.7% and RV+AdV – 8.5% were detected by chance. 3 viral associations were identified as RV+AdV+NV – 5.1%.