Seroprevalence and Socioeconomic Characteristics of Human Sapovirus Infection among Children Attending Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria

The study investigates the seroprevalence and socioeconomic characteristics of human sapovirus infection among children aged 0-5 years attending a specialist hospital in Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria. A total of 100 blood samples were collected for human sapovirus detection and Sapovirus IgG/IgM. A questionnaire was used to obtain the socioeconomic characteristics associated with human sapovirus infection. Sapovirus IgG/IgM was detected using ELISA kit. The results showed a prevalence of 7.70% sapovirus infection among children. There was an association of sapovirus among males (4.40%) and females (3.30%). Children within 49-60 months had the highest sapovirus infection of 17.60% while Parents/Guidance with secondary level of education had the highest sapovirus infection of 3.30%. Parents/Guidance residing in the rural areas had a higher sapovirus infection rate of 8.20%. Children living in families of 4-6 had the highest sapovirus infection rate of 4.0%. There was an association between the occupational status of the children's parents/guidance and the prevalence of sapovirus infection; farmers had the highest prevalence of 3.30%. The serological assays (ELISA) provide information about the prevalence of HSaV infection among children in the study area. Routine testing for all enteric viruses, especially Human Sapovirus, is needed.