Pediatria pre prax 1/2013
Rotavirus gastroenteritis and prevention
More than 95 % children under 5 years of age are infected at least once with rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE). The highest incidence is given an average age of 6–24 months. The first infection is usually clinically most serious, each other is more moderate. The most common complication is dehydration, which is more common than in the case of rotavirus negative acute gastroenteritis. Also the risk of hospitalization for RVGE is higher. Now, there are two live attenuated oral vaccines for specific prevention of RVGE in group of children older than 6 weeks of age. Vaccination is recommended for all children.
Keywords: rotavirus gastroenteritis, rotavirus, prevention, immunization.
