Rotavirus infection
Rotavirus infection is a highly contagious illness primarily affecting the intestines, caused by a ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus. It is most prevalent in young children, with nearly all experiencing an infection by age five, but it can also impact the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. Transmission typically occurs through fecal-oral routes, often by contaminated hands, food, or water, and can also spread through respiratory droplets. Symptoms include severe diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, and dehydration, which can be particularly dangerous for young children. While there is no specific cure, treatment focuses on managing dehydration through fluid intake, with severe cases requiring intravenous hydration in a hospital setting. Vaccination plays a crucial role in prevention, with vaccines like RotaTeq and Rotarix shown to be effective. In addition to vaccination, diligent handwashing and proper sanitation practices are vital in reducing the risk of infection, especially in settings with young children or in regions where hygiene may be compromised.
Rotavirus infection
Anatomy or system affected: Abdomen, gastrointestinal system, intestines, stomach
Also known as: Stomach flu, stomach virus
Definition
Rotavirus infection is an intestinal inflammation transmitted by a ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus that results in extreme diarrhea, especially in young children.
Causes
Rotavirus infection is primarily caused when fecal germs on a person’s hands are transmitted to the mouth and ingested. However, because rotavirus infection is extremely contagious, it also can be contracted by inhaling infected sputum in a sneeze or cough. Rotavirus germs also can be ingested in food or water contaminated with fecal particles.
Risk Factors
Young children are at greatest risk of contracting rotavirus infection, and almost all children have suffered a rotavirus infection by their fifth birthday. Child-care staff and children who attend day-care centers are even more prone to rotavirus infection because they are regularly exposed to children in close proximity. The elderly, especially those in nursing homes, also are susceptible to rotavirus infection, as are those with weakened immune systems. Frequent travelers to developing countries also risk greater exposure because of contaminated food and water sources.
Symptoms
The symptoms of rotavirus infection include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, dehydration, fever, chills, and loss of appetite.
Screening and Diagnosis
After conducting a physical exam, a physician will question the affected person about his or her symptoms. Confirmation of a rotavirus infection may be obtained through a rapid antigen test applied to the person’s stool sample in the laboratory and examined through electron microscopy.
Treatment and Therapy
No cure exists for rotavirus infection, but the most serious symptom, dehydration, is treatable by drinking large amounts of liquids, especially liquids that contain electrolytes (such as Gatorade). Severely dehydrated persons will require the intravenous administration of liquids in a hospital setting. Stomach cramps and diarrhea may be slightly mitigated by eating bland food, such as soda crackers, and a fever can be reduced by using a damp cloth on the forehead.
Prevention and Outcomes
Complete prevention of rotavirus infection is impossible, but one can take steps to greatly reduce the likelihood of infection. First and foremost is vaccination. In 2006, two vaccines, RotaTeq and Rotarix, became available for infants, and they are extremely effective in preventing rotavirus infection or in lessening the severity of infection if it occurs. Additionally, because tests have shown that the rotavirus survives for several hours on hands, vigilant handwashing is highly effective in reducing transmission. Children should consistently wash their hands, especially after using the toilet and before eating. Child-care workers and all persons associated with children also should practice rigorous handwashing. Dirty diapers should be disposed of immediately after changing, and diaper changing areas should be regularly disinfected. Because rotavirus survives for days on hard surfaces, all toilets, counters, and children’s toys should also be cleaned regularly with disinfectant. Persons traveling in developing countries should boil all drinking water before ingesting.
Bibliography
Chadwick, Derek, and Jamie A. Goode, eds. Gastroenteritis Viruses. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2001.
Gray, James, and Ulrich Desselberger, eds. Rotaviruses: Methods and Protocols. Totowa, N.J.: Humana Press, 2000.
Kirschner, Barbara S., and Dennis D. Black. “The Gastrointestinal Tract.” In Nelson Essentials of Pediatrics, edited by Karen J. Marcdante et al. 6th ed. Philadelphia: Saunders/Elsevier, 2011.
Matson, David O. “Rotaviruses.” In Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, edited by Sarah S. Long, Larry K. Pickering, and Charles G. Prober. 3d ed. New York: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, 2008.