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Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
Published on: January 28, 2019
Septicemia following rotavirus gastroenteritis
1Department of Pediatrics, Barzilai Medical Center, Ashkelon, Israel. eric.scheier@gmail.com
The Israel Medical Association Journal : IMAJ
|May 14, 2013
Summary
Bacterial sepsis following rotavirus gastroenteritis is rare but serious in children. Prompt recognition of a secondary fever spike and blood cultures are crucial for early diagnosis and treatment of this dangerous complication.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Rotavirus gastroenteritis is a common childhood illness.
- Secondary bacterial sepsis is a rare complication of rotavirus infection.
- Existing literature lacks recent reviews on rotavirus-associated sepsis.
Observation:
- A retrospective study identified two cases of septicemia among 632 hospitalizations for rotavirus gastroenteritis (incidence rate of 0.32%).
- A review of English literature on rotavirus-associated septicemia was conducted.
- The typical presentation includes a second peak of high fever following initial rotavirus symptoms.
Findings:
- The incidence of septicemia following rotavirus gastroenteritis is low but significant.
- Bacterial superinfection often presents with a recurrent fever spike.
- Clinical signs of sepsis in this context can be variable.
Implications:
- Early identification of bacterial superinfection in children with rotavirus is critical.
- Obtaining blood cultures is essential for children with rotavirus and a secondary fever spike.
- Prompt diagnosis and management of sepsis are vital for improving outcomes in pediatric patients.
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