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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
09:29
Early Viral Entry Assays for the Identification and Evaluation of Antiviral Compounds
Published on: October 29, 2015
Viral infections: new and emerging.
Muhammad A Khan1, Dorsey M Bass
1Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA.
Current Opinion in Gastroenterology
|November 13, 2009
Summary
Viral gastroenteritis is a major cause of childhood mortality globally. Advances in molecular diagnostics and rotavirus vaccination are improving disease recognition, prevention, and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Viral gastrointestinal diseases are a significant cause of mortality in children worldwide.
- Understanding the epidemiology, pathogenesis, treatment, and prevention of these diseases is crucial for clinicians.
- Recent scientific advances enhance the comprehension of viral gastroenteritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in the understanding of common causes of viral gastroenteritis.
- To summarize current knowledge on epidemiology, pathogenesis, treatment, and prevention.
- To highlight the impact of scientific progress on clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on viral gastroenteritis.
- Analysis of epidemiological data and disease burden.
- Evaluation of diagnostic and therapeutic advancements.
Main Results:
- Rotavirus vaccination has notably reduced disease burden in many areas.
- Molecular testing advancements improve viral detection capabilities, though primarily for research.
- Associations between viruses and other gastrointestinal conditions, along with host susceptibility factors, have been investigated.
Conclusions:
- Viral gastroenteritis is prevalent, and identifying specific causative viruses remains challenging.
- Advanced diagnostic tools like PCR and electron microscopy are valuable research methods.
- Recognizing host risk factors, epidemiological patterns, and transmission is key for prevention and treatment strategies.
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