PREVALENCE OF HUMAN ROTAVIRUS ASSOCIATED WITH GASTROENTERITIS AMONG CHILDREN UNDER FIVE YEARS ATTENDING ABUBAKAR TAFAWA BALEWA TEACHING HOSPITAL, BAUCHI, NIGERIABackground: Rotavirus infection remains a leading cause of illness and death among childr

Rotavirus infection remains a leading cause of illness and death among children under five worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, including Nigeria. In Northeastern Nigeria, specifically Bauchi State, there is scarce information regarding the prevalence of enteric rotavirus. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of rotavirus in Bauchi State. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to identify children with symptoms related to rotavirus gastroenteritis, including watery diarrhoea, fever, vomiting, stomach pain and loss of appetite. Stool samples were aseptically collected from 200 children attending six selected healthcare facilities within the Bauchi metropolis. Rotavirus antigen was detected using an enzyme immunoassay kit. On the other hand, a standardized structured questionnaire was used to obtain additional information (socio-demographic factors, clinical symptoms and hospital location) from the parents/guardians of the children. In this study, the overall prevalence of rotavirus infection was 20.0%. The highest rate of rotavirus infection was in the 2 weeks to 2 months age group at 26.7%, and the lowest was in the 1 to 5 years group at 10.2%, although these differences were not statistically significant (P=0.119). Notably, rural residents had a higher infection rate (41.2%) compared to urban residents (4.3%), with a significant difference found (P=0.001). The study found a higher prevalence of rotavirus infection in children who don’t attend daycare (45.5%) than those who do (3.4%, P=0.001). Among children under five, the highest prevalence was at ATBU Teaching Hospital Bauchi Nigeria (26.7%), and the lowest was at Family Planning Kofar Wase, Bauchi (21.7%). However, statistical tests showed no association between infection and location (P=0.244). The study has demonstrated a high prevalence of rotavirus infection in Bauchi State Nigeria, with a significant association between rotavirus infection and attendance at daycare facilities and rural residences. There is an urgent need to implement the rotavirus vaccine.