Characterising the aetiology of severe acute gastroenteritis among patients visiting a hospital in Qatar using real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Background: Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) remains a common cause of clinic visits and hospitalizations, though its aetiology has not been determined in Qatar.

Methods: We performed a prospective, emergency department-based study of 288 children and adults with AGE. Stool specimens were collected at presentation from June to November 2009.