Incidence of Calicivirus in Severe Acute Diarrhea: P0 99

Introduction: The Calicivirus, as agents of infantile acute diarrhea, constitute an emerging cause in Pediatrics; however no study in our national environment is available. Objective: To study the incidence of Calicivirus in severe acute diarrhea in patients 0 to 3 years. Material and methods: Design: Prospective study, not interventional. Between January and June, 2003 all the patients < 3 year old consulting for acute diarrhea in the emergency units at the hospitals of the Concepcion and Talcahuano cities, Chile that required oral rehydration or intravenous fluids according to procedures of the World Health Organization, were evaluated. Calicivirus was studied in fecal samples by imnmuno enzyme trial (ELISA). Results: 211 patients fulfilled the protocol requirements in the period of study; 23 patient presented positive ELISA for Calicivirus, corresponding to the 10,9%. Also 96 were positive for rotavirus (45%). Conclusion: Calicivirus is an important agent of acute diarrhea severe in Chilean children.