Pediatria pre prax 3/2005

ROTAVIRUS – THE MOST COMMON CAUSE OF DIARRHEA IN CHILDREN

The review of etiology of infectious diarrhea in infants and children is focused on rotavirus as the most common cause of these diseases. The authors introduce into the pathogenesis and epidemiology of rotavirus gastroenteritis. The necessity of early recognition of features of severe dehydration is emphasized and current therapeutic possibilities are described. The warning of a risk of nosocomial rotavirus infection is accompanied with preventive control measures used in a hospital. Recommendations for diagnosis and therapy of rotavirus gastroenteritis in pediatric practice are summarized.

Keywords: rotavirus, gastroenteritis, dehydration, nosocomial infection.