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Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
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Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus

Published on: January 28, 2019

Recent advances in the study of viral gastroenteritis

T H Flewett, G M Beards

    Science Progress
    |January 1, 1989
    PubMed

    Insights

    Viral gastroenteritis, particularly rotavirus, is a major cause of childhood death in developing nations. Research in the 1970s-80s identified viruses as key pathogens, leading to vaccine development for infectious diarrhea prevention.

    Area of Science:

    • Virology
    • Public Health
    • Pediatrics

    Background:

    • Acute infectious gastroenteritis is a leading cause of mortality in children under five in developing countries.
    • While less fatal in developed nations, it remains a significant public health concern.
    • Prior to the 1970s, the etiology of most diarrheal disease episodes was unknown, with only bacteria and parasites recognized.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To provide an overview of viral gastroenteritis, focusing on rotaviruses.
    • To discuss the pathogenesis of viral gastroenteritis.
    • To review vaccine strategies for preventing rotavirus disease and assess the significance of other enteric viruses.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of studies conducted in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
    • Analysis of viral pathogen identification and characterization.
    • Assessment of vaccine development and public health impact.

    Main Results:

    • Discovery and cultivation of previously unknown viruses causing gastroenteritis during the 1970s.
    • Confirmation of rotaviruses as significant global pathogens.
    • Identification of adenoviruses, caliciviruses, and astroviruses as other important viral causes.

    Conclusions:

    • Viruses, especially rotaviruses, are major causes of infectious gastroenteritis worldwide.
    • Understanding viral pathogenesis is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
    • Vaccine development holds significant promise for reducing the burden of viral gastroenteritis in children.

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