Rotavirus

Rotavirus is a member of the Reoviridae family of viruses responsible for causing enteritis, a form of gastroenteritis. It's particularly common among infants and young children, causing severe diarrheal illness and, in some instances, contributing to significant morbidity and mortality.

Classification and Structure

Rotavirus belongs to the family Reoviridae and is non-enveloped with a genome composed of 11 segments of double-stranded RNA. Its viral particle exhibits a wheel-like appearance under electron microscopy, which explains its name, rotavirus, derived from the Latin word 'rota', meaning wheel.

Epidemiology

Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrhea and dehydration among infants and young children worldwide. It's responsible for an estimated 200,000 deaths annually in children under five, particularly in low-income countries without widespread access to the rotavirus vaccine.

Transmission and Pathogenesis

Rotavirus is typically transmitted via the fecal-oral route. It damages the cells lining the small intestine, leading to malabsorption and diarrhea. Additionally, the virus stimulates the immune response, which can further contribute to diarrheal symptoms.

Clinical Presentation

Infants and young children infected with rotavirus present with severe, often watery diarrhea accompanied by vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. Dehydration is a significant concern and the leading cause of morbidity and mortality associated with rotavirus infection.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of rotavirus infection is commonly made through the detection of the virus in stool samples using enzyme immunoassays. The primary treatment for rotavirus infection is supportive, focusing on hydration and electrolyte repletion.

Prevention

Prevention of rotavirus infection is primarily through vaccination. As of 2021, two oral vaccines are globally available: Rotarix and RotaTeq.

See Also

• Viral gastroenteritis
• Vaccination

References

Rotavirus Resources
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