OBJECTIVE

To investigate the viral etiology, through the use of molecular methods, of acute gastroenteritis (AGE), which is a considerable public health burden in Native American infants.

STUDY DESIGN

From March 2002 through February 2004, AGE and non-diarrheal stools were collected from Navajo and White Mountain Apache infants who received placebo during a rotavirus vaccine trial. Case (n=247) and control (n=344) specimens were tested for enteric adenovirus, astrovirus, norovirus, rotavirus, and sapovirus with real-time polymerase chain reaction. The odds of AGE were compared with population-averaged logistic regression models.

RESULTS

In 65% of the cases of AGE (161/247), at least one virus was detected; norovirus (n=80, 32%) and rotavirus (n=70, 28%) were the most common. A virus was detected in 38% of control specimens (132/344). Detection of "any virus" was associated with AGE (OR=3.22; 95% CI, 2.11-4.91), as was detection of norovirus (OR=2.00; 95% CI, 1.22-3.26) and rotavirus (OR=2.69; 95% CI, 1.52-4.79).

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the significant burden of viral AGE in American Indian infants and identifies pathogen targets for future prevention efforts in this population.