Risk Factors for Acute Gastroenteritis Among Patients Hospitalized in 5 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, 2016-2019

BACKGROUND

In the United States, ∼179 million acute gastroenteritis (AGE) episodes occur annually. We aimed to identify risk factors for all-cause AGE, norovirus-associated vs non-norovirus AGE, and severe vs mild/moderate AGE among hospitalized adults.

METHODS

We enrolled 1029 AGE cases and 624 non-AGE controls from December 1, 2016, to November 30, 2019, at 5 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. Patient interviews and medical chart abstractions were conducted, and participant stool samples were tested using the BioFire Gastrointestinal Panel. Severe AGE was defined as a modified Vesikari score of ≥11. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess associations between potential risk factors and outcomes; univariate analysis was conducted for norovirus-associated AGE due to limited sample size.

RESULTS

Among 1029 AGE cases, 551 (54%) had severe AGE and 44 (4%) were norovirus positive. Risk factors for all-cause AGE included immunosuppressive therapy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 5.6; 95% CI, 2.7-11.7), HIV infection (aOR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.8-8.5), severe renal disease (aOR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.8-5.2), and household contact with a person with AGE (aOR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.3-6.7). Household (OR, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.6-12.0) and non-household contact (OR, 5.0; 95% CI, 2.2-11.5) with AGE was associated with norovirus-associated AGE. Norovirus positivity (aOR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.3-8.8) was significantly associated with severe AGE.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with immunosuppressive therapy, HIV, and severe renal disease should be monitored for AGE and may benefit from targeted public health messaging regarding AGE prevention. These results may also direct future public health interventions, such as norovirus vaccines, to specific high-risk populations.