[A study of rotavirus infections in families]

Using the PAGE method, we detected 194 stool samples collected in 72 families during the epidemic season of rotavirus infection. Rotavirus was found in 29 of the 48 stool specimens of children with diarrhea, and for comparison, it was found in only 1 of the 24 stool specimens of children without diarrhea. Rotavirus infections occurred significantly more often among adults having contacts with children infected by HRV (21.3%) than among adults having no contacts with children infected by HRV (4.5%). Rotavirus infections in most of adults were asymptomatic but some of those with abdominal cramps. The illnesses were generally mild and did not necessitate medical attention. The results suggest that asymptomatic adult contacts may be able to transmit the HRV to other people.