Rotavirus

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Rotavirus

Rotavirus (/roʊtəˈvaɪrəs/) is a genus of double-stranded RNA viruses in the family Reoviridae.

Etymology

The name "rotavirus" is derived from the Latin rota, meaning "wheel", which refers to the virus's wheel-like appearance when viewed by electron microscopy.

Definition

Rotaviruses are the most common cause of diarrhoeal disease among infants and young children. Nearly every child in the world is infected with rotavirus at least once by the age of five. Immunity develops with each infection, so subsequent infections are less severe; adults are rarely affected.

Symptoms

Symptoms of rotavirus infection include severe watery diarrhea, often with vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. Infants and young children are most likely to get rotavirus disease. They can become severely dehydrated and need to be hospitalized and can even die.

Related Terms

  • Reoviridae: The family of viruses to which rotaviruses belong.
  • Diarrhea: A common symptom of rotavirus infection.
  • Dehydration: A serious complication of rotavirus infection.
  • Virus: A type of microorganism; rotaviruses are a type of virus.
  • Electron microscopy: A technique used to visualize viruses, including rotaviruses.

See Also

External links

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