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Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
Published on: January 28, 2019
Systemic rotavirus infection
1Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA. rramig@bcm.edu
Insights
Rotavirus infection is now understood to be systemic, not just confined to the GI tract. Evidence shows the virus enters circulation and affects peripheral sites, leading to systemic disease.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Rotavirus infection was traditionally considered limited to the gastrointestinal tract.
- Emerging evidence challenges this view, suggesting a broader systemic impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the systemic nature of rotavirus infection.
- To explore the presence of viral components in circulation and at peripheral sites.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of viral antigen and infectious virus in circulation from human and animal studies.
- Utilizing animal models to identify viral presence at peripheral sites.
Main Results:
- Viral antigen and infectious rotavirus are frequently detected in the bloodstream of infected individuals and animals.
- Animal models demonstrate rotavirus infection at sites beyond the GI tract.
Conclusions:
- Rotavirus infection extends beyond the GI tract, with systemic dissemination being a key feature.
- Systemic sequelae observed in rotavirus infections may be linked to viral presence at peripheral sites.
- Further research is needed to determine the clinical significance of systemic rotavirus disease and the role of vaccination.
Abstract:
A new paradigm of rotavirus disease is emerging and rotavirus infection is no longer considered to be localized and confined to the GI tract. New evidence indicates that rotavirus infection is systemic. Viral antigen and infectious virus frequently enter the circulation in both children and animal model systems. Clinical case reports of systemic sequelae to rotavirus infection in children continue to accumulate, suggesting involvement in systemic disease syndromes. The use of animal models is providing biological and molecular evidence for infection at peripheral sites. Thus, infection at peripheral sites may account for reports of systemic sequelae to rotavirus infection. The importance of systemic sequelae and the ability of vaccination to prevent such sequelae remains to be determined.
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