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Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
Published on: January 28, 2019
Transaminase in rotavirus gastroenteritis.
Hisashi Kawashima1, Chiako Ishii, Hiroaki Ioi
1Department of Pediatrics, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan. hisashi@tokyo-med.ac.jp
Summary
Rotavirus infection can cause mild hepatitis, with high transaminase levels potentially indicating elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6). Neurological complications were not correlated with these liver function changes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Viral Infections
- Hepatology
Background:
- Rotavirus infection in children can present with symptoms mimicking biliary atresia, including elevated transaminases and pale stools.
- Associated neurological symptoms like convulsions, encephalopathy, and Reye syndrome have been reported.
- The clinical significance of elevated transaminases and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in rotavirus infection requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate transaminase and IL-6 levels in children with rotavirus infection.
- To understand the clinical significance of these markers, particularly in relation to neurological complications.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of liver function tests, focusing on transaminase and IL-6 levels.
- Comparison of results between rotavirus gastroenteritis patients with and without convulsions.
Main Results:
- Elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were observed in 88.5% and 11.5% of samples, respectively.
- No significant differences in liver function tests were found between groups with or without convulsions.
- A strong positive correlation (Spearman's coefficient = 0.89) was found between AST and IL-6 levels.
Conclusions:
- Rotavirus infection can be associated with mild hepatitis, not linked to neurological complications.
- High transaminase levels in rotavirus infection may be indicative of elevated IL-6 levels.
