rotavirusrelated

Rotavirus-related disease refers to illnesses caused by infection with rotavirus, the leading cause of severe acute gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide. Rotavirus is a non-enveloped, double-stranded RNA virus in the family Reoviridae and is transmitted primarily via the fecal-oral route. Infection can occur at any age but severe disease is most common in children under five, particularly under two years old. Seasonal patterns vary by climate, with winter peaks in temperate regions and year-round transmission in tropical areas.

Typical illness begins with vomiting, followed by profuse watery diarrhea and fever. Dehydration is a major risk, especially in infants and children with limited oral intake. Diagnosis generally relies on stool testing that detects rotavirus antigen or RNA by enzyme immunoassay or PCR, often performed in routine gastroenteritis panels.

Prevention is dominated by vaccination. Two licensed oral vaccines, Rotarix and RotaTeq, have substantially reduced hospitalizations and severe disease where implemented. Good hygiene and sanitation help reduce transmission but are less effective alone given the virus's stability outside the host. Treatment focuses on maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance, primarily through oral rehydration therapy; zinc supplementation can reduce duration and severity. Severe dehydration or persistent vomiting may require intravenous fluids and medical monitoring. There are no widely used specific antiviral drugs for routine management.

Rotavirus exhibits substantial genetic and antigenic diversity, described by G and P types, with vaccines covering common strains but occasionally breakthrough infections occur. Surveillance tracks circulating strains and vaccine impact. Globally, rotavirus-related gastroenteritis remains a major cause of pediatric morbidity and health care utilization, though vaccination has markedly reduced burden in many regions.