Rotavirus infection and prevention

Curr Opin Pediatr. 1997 Feb;9(1):19-23. doi: 10.1097/00008480-199702000-00006.

Abstract

The major advance in knowledge about rotavirus infection and prevention has been in vaccine development. Several large studies of tetravalent rhesis rotavirus vaccine have had encouraging results, and a first-generation vaccine is likely to be licensed by the 25th anniversary of the discovery of rotavirus (in 1973). Epidemiologic studies have highlighted a diversity of less common G types and non-group A strains, observations to be taken into account in further vaccine development. Disconcerting anecdotal reports of central nervous system involvement need to be cautiously interpreted. New information on pathophysiology raises the intriguing concept of viral toxin involvement. Oral immunoglobulin has been used for prophylaxis and also for treatment during active infection.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Central Nervous System Diseases / virology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diarrhea / virology*
  • Humans
  • Immunization, Passive
  • Infant
  • Rotavirus / classification
  • Rotavirus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Rotavirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Rotavirus Infections / virology
  • Serotyping
  • Viral Vaccines

Substances

  • Viral Vaccines