ICJEM
Intercontinental Journal of Emergency Medicine

The Intercontinental Journal of Emergency Medicine aims to publish issues related to all fields of emergency medicine and all specialties involved in the management of emergencies in the hospital and prehospital environment of the highest scientific and clinical value at an international level and accepts articles on these topics.

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Original Article
Acute gastroenteritis in Turkiye: epidemiological trends, etiological agents, changing patterns, and management approaches
Abstract
Aims: This comprehensive bibliographic review aims to systematically evaluate the published literature on acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in Turkey, focusing on epidemiological trends, distribution of etiological agents, temporal changes in disease patterns, and current management approaches over the past three decades.
Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Turkish Medical Index, and Google Scholar databases for studies published between 1987 and 2024. Search terms included combinations of "Turkey," "gastroenteritis," "rotavirus," "norovirus," "diarrhea," and "epidemiology." Studies providing epidemiological data, clinical findings, or treatment approaches for AGE in Turkish populations were included. Data extraction encompassed study characteristics, pathogen detection rates, clinical outcomes, and temporal trends.
Results: Analysis of 98 studies revealed rotavirus as the leading cause of childhood AGE in Turkey, with a median detection rate of 31.8% (95% CI: 31.3-32.4) among 117,741 children with diarrhea. Despite rotavirus vaccines not being included in the national immunization program, self-financed vaccination (12-17% coverage) resulted in significant reductions: rotavirus-positive AGE incidence decreased from 4.4/1,000 in 2012 to 2.48/1,000 in 2018 (44% reduction), while rotavirus-related hospitalizations declined from 1.9/1,000 to 0.45/1,000 (76% reduction). Norovirus genotype II emerged as the most frequently detected viral agent in national surveillance studies, with increasing relative importance following rotavirus vaccination. The influx of 3.5 million Syrian refugees significantly impacted infectious disease epidemiology, with 158,058 diarrheal episodes reported between 2012-2016. Seasonal patterns showed peak rotavirus activity during winter months (January-March), while bacterial pathogens predominated in summer.
Conclusion: AGE remains a significant public health burden in Turkey. The evidence strongly supports incorporation of rotavirus vaccine into the national immunization program, enhanced norovirus surveillance, expansion of molecular diagnostic capabilities, and establishment of a systematic AGE surveillance network.

Keywords : Acute gastroenteritis, Turkey, rotavirus, norovirus, epidemiology, vaccination, diarrheal disease, pediatric infectious diseases

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Article available in :
Volume 3, Issue 4, 2025
Page : 80-87
https://doi.org/10.51271/ICJEM-0065
Article Information
Received : 05 Dec 2025
Accepted : 22 Dec 2025
Published : 26 Dec 2025
Corresponding Author :

Mete Üçdal: Department of Internal Medicine, Etimesgut Şehit Sait Ertürk State Hospital, Ankara, Turkiye

[email protected]
Citation : Ekingen E, Üçdal M. Acute gastroenteritis in children in Turkiye: epidemiological trends, etiological agents, changing patterns, and management approaches. Intercont J Emerg Med. 2025;3(4):80-87.

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