Viral Etiology and Epidemiology of Children Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) in Al-Ahsa Province - Saudi Arabia during the period 2021-2022

 Children under five years are susceptible to being infected by Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) pathogens. Therefore, the main objective of the present research is to study the epidemiology and the etiology of AGE among children in Saudi Arabia.

 In this retrospective study, multiplex PCR was used to detect the gastroenteric viruses, including RoVA (Rotavirus A), NoVGI (Norovirus Group I), NoVGII (Norovirus Group II), HAstV (Human Astrovirus), EAdV (Enteric Adenovirus), and HEV (Human Enterovirus) in 92 stool samples collected from pediatric children aged ≤7 admitted to hospitals in Al-Ahsa province in Saudi Arabia, during December 2021 to June 2022.

 Out of the 92 samples tested, 63 (68.4%) showed positive results, indicating the presence of at least one gastroenteric virus infection. RoV group A was the most detected virus at 54%, followed by HAstV at 27%, EAdV at 22.2%, NoVGI at 9.5%, and HEV at 6.3%. Gastroenteric virus mono-infection was much higher than co-infection, at 79.3%. Children in the age group (1Y-2Y) were the most infected with viral AGE at 41.3% compared with other groups. Male children were more infected than females at 38%. The main viral AGE symptoms revealed in all positive children were diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and fever, with rates of 100%, 95.2%, 92.1%, and 81%, respectively.

 Results demonstrated that the prevalence of gastroenteric infections among children is relevant and should be considered by the national health authority. This study is the first work conducted in the province of Al-Ahsa in Saudi Arabia. It could improve epidemiological and etiological data on children's AGE in the province.