This study aims to determine the contribution of rotavirus infection as a cause of gastroenteritis requiring hospitalization in children younger than 5 years of age. Additionally, a secondary aim will be to determine the genotypes of rotavirus that cause these infections as prevalent in Lebanon.

This study will be performed at six large hospitals in Lebanon in the three largest cities Beirut, Tripoli, and Saida. The study will enroll children younger than 5 years of age who are admitted to the hospital because of gastroenteritis. Enrollment will continue for a period of two years at each hospital. Inclusion criteria are age < 5 years, with gastroenteritis as the main reason for admission to the hospital or for a stay in the Emergency Department longer than 12 hours. Exclusion criteria include onset of symptoms beyond 12 hours of admission (health-care associated infection). For all enrolled subjects, data will be collected about severity of illness, outcome, and history of vaccination. Stool samples will be collected for genotyping of rotavirus.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age < 5 years
• Gastroenteritis as admitting diagnosis
• Informed consent
• Parents willing and able to cooperate

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age > 5 years
• Onset of gastroenteritis beyond 12 hours of admission

Children under 5 years of age admitted because of gastroenteritis to 6 major hospitals in Lebanon

Children hospitalized with gastroenteritis