Rotavirus gastroenteritis

Abstract

Rotavirus is the single most important cause of severe, dehydrating gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide. Rotavirus gastroenteritis is associated with high morbidity in developed countries and significant mortality in developing countries. Virtually all children are infected with rotavirus by 3 years of age. Fecal-oral transmission is the most likely route of virus spread. Group A serotype strains G1 through G4 account for more than 90% of rotavirus gastroenteritis in humans, with G1 being the predominant serotype. The virus preferentially infects the mature small-intestinal enterocytes. Rotavirus gastroenteritis is characterized by fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, with vomiting particularly prominent. Dehydration is a frequent complication because of the severity of the diarrhea and the associated vomiting. Rehydration and maintenance of proper fluid and electrolyte balance remain the mainstay of treatment. Hygienic measures have little effect on the reduction of rotavirus infection rates. The disease can be effectively controlled by universal rotavirus vaccination.

Characterization of Clinical and Immune Response in a Rotavirus Diarrhea Model in Suckling Lewis Rats

“…They infect enterocytes of the small intestine and cause severe gastroenteritis and dehydration; high morbidity is described worldwide, and symptomatic treatment such as rehydration is the only way to control this disease (1,2). The pathophysiology of group A RV-associated diarrhea has been experimentally studied in several animal species and has helped to advance our knowledge about the infection process (3,4).…”

Summary of effectiveness and impact of rotavirus vaccination with the oral pentavalent rotavirus vaccine: A systematic review of the experience in industrialized countries

“…[1][2][3][4] RV infections are most common in children aged 6-24 months, 2,5 most children will have been infected by 2-3 years of age, 6 and many The pentavalent rotavirus (rv) vaccine rotaTeq TM has been available in industrialized countries since 2006. Several studies have been conducted to evaluate the benefit of rv vaccination under routine conditions of use.…”

Frequency, clinical characteristics, and genotype distribution of rotavirus gastroenteritis in Greece (2007–2008)

“…Although the prevalence of the disease is similar in most geographic regions, the mortality is greater in developing countries due to malnutrition and poorer access to medical treatment [Butz et al, 1993;Cook et al, 1990;Giaquinto et al, 2007;Kavaliotis et al, 2007;Leung et al, 2005;Parashar et al, 2003;Raebel, Ou, 1999;Soriano-Gabarró et al, 2006;Van Damme et al, 2007a].…”