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Prevention and treatment of viral diarrhea in pediatrics

Evan J Anderson1

  • 1Divisions of Infectious Diseases and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Northwestern Memorial and Children's Memorial Hospitals, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60614, USA. e-anderson3@northwestern.edu

Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy
|January 30, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Diarrhea remains a major global child killer, primarily caused by viruses like rotavirus and norovirus. New rotavirus vaccines significantly reduce illness, but norovirus vaccine development faces challenges.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Diarrhea is a leading cause of mortality in children globally, particularly in those under five.
  • Viral gastroenteritis, especially from rotavirus and norovirus, is a significant contributor to pediatric morbidity and mortality.
  • Existing prevention strategies include hygiene, nutrition, and vaccination.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the epidemiology of viral causes of pediatric diarrhea.
  • To discuss the impact and availability of new rotavirus vaccines.
  • To highlight challenges in norovirus vaccine development.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of viral gastroenteritis in children.
  • Analysis of current vaccination strategies and their effectiveness.
  • Discussion of treatment and prevention modalities.

Main Results:

  • Rotavirus is the most common viral cause of diarrhea in children, followed by norovirus.
  • Two new rotavirus vaccines (Rotarix and RotaTeq) have shown significant success in reducing rotavirus-related illness.
  • Development of a norovirus vaccine presents considerable scientific and logistical hurdles.

Conclusions:

  • Rotavirus vaccination has dramatically decreased associated morbidity in areas with high vaccine uptake.
  • Norovirus remains a significant public health concern with ongoing vaccine development challenges.
  • Integrated strategies including hygiene, nutrition, and vaccination are crucial for combating pediatric diarrhea.

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