Rotaviruses

Question 1

Classification

Answer 1

Family: Reoviridae

Genus: Rotavirus

Species: A - G

Question 2

Characteristics

Answer 2

• Naked
• Double-layered capsid
• dsRNA
• virion RNA polymerase
• cytoplasmic replication
• acid stable (so can reach SI)
• at least six serotypes

Question 3

Transmission

Answer 3

Fecal-oral route

Question 4

Pathogenesis

Answer 4

Infection is limited to the GIT [[[especially the SI]]]

> > > Rotavirus NSP4 toxin is responsible for watery diarrhea —> by increasing chloride permeability

Nigerian Safe Police (part 4)

Question 5

Disease

Answer 5

• Gastroenteritis (especially in young children):
• watery diarrhea
• classic outbreaks in winter
  #1 cause of severe diarrhea in young children!

Question 6

Microbiological diagnosis

Answer 6

• isolation of the virus is not done from clinical specimens
• detection&raquo_space;> rotavirus in the stool by ELISA

Question 7

Treatment and prevention

Answer 7

Treatment:

• no antiviral drug
• supportive therapy —> rehydration!

Prevention:

• Live attenuated vaccine - contains the most common rotavirus serotype (G1):
  > oral
  > 1st dose given before 3 months age ( to reduce side effects)
  > it increases risk of intussusception:
  Stimulation and enlargement of Payer’s patches —> telescoping of the bowel
• live reassortant vaccine that contains five rotavirus strains