Rotavirus: an overview--from discovery to vaccine

Rotavirus is the single most important cause of both nosocomially-acquired and severe, dehydrating diarrhea. It occurs with equal frequency throughout the world, regardless of the level of sanitation. After primary infection, mild or asymptomatic reinfection is common. Current management involves the use of oral rehydration therapy and early feeding of an age-appropriate diet. Cereal-based oral rehydration solutions, lactic acid bacteria, and oral immunoglobulins may play a role in future treatment. A rhesus rotavirus, quadravalent oral vaccine, currently being considered for licensure, may be given concurrently with other routine infant immunizations and has an efficacy rate of 80% against severe disease. Pediatric nurses should be aware of these recent advances in treatment and prevention, which should significantly reduce the impact of rotavirus in the near future.