Rotavirus
INFORMATION ABOUT THE DISEASE
Rotavirus is the most common pathogen capable of causing viral gastroenteritis among infants and children under 5 years of age.
Particular attention should be paid to very young children, in whom the virus can cause severe diarrhea with dehydration. During the course of life, reinfections with rotavirus are very common; it is noted that the severity of the disease decreases with repeated infections. Diarrheal diseases are a major cause of illness and death in children in this age group, particularly those in low-income countries.
Rotavirus is a double-stranded RNA virus belonging to the family Reoviridae.
Most infections are caused by group A strains, although to a lesser extent it can be caused by group B and C strains.
Most infections are caused by group A strains, although to a lesser extent it can be caused by group B and C strains.
The main route of transmission of the virus is oro-fecal, that is, through ingestion of material contaminated by the feces of an infected person.
Transmission can also occur in a minority of cases by contact and by respiratory route.
Rotavirus is a very resistant pathogen; in fact, it remains active in the environment and on contaminated surfaces for several days.
Particular care should be taken within communities, such as schools, kindergartens and nursing homes, because of the rapidity and ease of rotavirus transmission.
Transmission can also occur in a minority of cases by contact and by respiratory route.
Rotavirus is a very resistant pathogen; in fact, it remains active in the environment and on contaminated surfaces for several days.
Particular care should be taken within communities, such as schools, kindergartens and nursing homes, because of the rapidity and ease of rotavirus transmission.
Rotaviruses are ubiquitous and infect almost all children globally by the age of 3-5 years; in fact, rotavirus gastroenteritis is a worldwide disease.
In Europe and the rest of the temperate zones of the planet, the virus has seasonal peaks of incidence that occur in the winter period.
In countries in tropical zones, on the other hand, the virus presents in a constant pattern.
The World Health Organization (WHO) considers the disease caused by rotavirus to be a true health emergency; in fact, the estimate of deaths in 2013 due to rotavirus gastroenteritis is about 200,000 children worldwide.
The majority of fatal infections in children occur in low-income countries probably due to limited access to health care, lack of prompt hydration therapy, and higher prevalence of comorbidities, among which malnutrition is crucial.
In Europe and the rest of the temperate zones of the planet, the virus has seasonal peaks of incidence that occur in the winter period.
In countries in tropical zones, on the other hand, the virus presents in a constant pattern.
The World Health Organization (WHO) considers the disease caused by rotavirus to be a true health emergency; in fact, the estimate of deaths in 2013 due to rotavirus gastroenteritis is about 200,000 children worldwide.
The majority of fatal infections in children occur in low-income countries probably due to limited access to health care, lack of prompt hydration therapy, and higher prevalence of comorbidities, among which malnutrition is crucial.
Gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus has an incubation period of about two days, after which fever, vomiting, and watery diarrhea occur with the average duration of 3-7 days.
High fever may be present in one-third of cases.
A mild form of diarrhea usually develops in which sufferers recover without any treatment. However, when severe acute diarrhea occurs, the person may go into dehydration, a serious or fatal condition in the absence of proper treatment.
High fever may be present in one-third of cases.
A mild form of diarrhea usually develops in which sufferers recover without any treatment. However, when severe acute diarrhea occurs, the person may go into dehydration, a serious or fatal condition in the absence of proper treatment.
The diagnosis of viral gastroenteritis is clinical. However, in doubtful cases or those with prolonged symptoms, the diagnosis can be made by going for rotavirus-specific antigens within fecal samples taken from the patient.
Viral gastroenteritis is, in general, a self-limiting illness that does not require specific antiviral therapy. In fact, only supportive therapies, such as adequate hydration and nutrition, are necessary.
In case of severe symptomatology with onset of dehydration, intravenous fluid administration is essential.
In case of severe symptomatology with onset of dehydration, intravenous fluid administration is essential.
Two attenuated oral vaccines are currently available for the prevention of rotavirus disease, with similar levels of efficacy and safety.
The attenuated pentavalent human-bovine vaccine is administered in three doses at 2, 4 and 6 months of age.
The attenuated human-bovine vaccine, on the other hand, is administered in two doses at 2 and 4 months of age.
The attenuated pentavalent human-bovine vaccine is administered in three doses at 2, 4 and 6 months of age.
The attenuated human-bovine vaccine, on the other hand, is administered in two doses at 2 and 4 months of age.
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The information presented is general in nature, is published for general audiences and is not a substitute for the relationship between patient and physician.