Viral diarrhea
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers for "viral diarrhea"
Viral Diarrhea: Causes, Epidemiology, and Prevention
Overview of Viral Diarrhea
Viral diarrhea is a common, self-limiting illness that can occur sporadically or in epidemic forms. It is particularly prevalent in children and the elderly, and can be severe in these populations. The primary causative agents are rotavirus and Norwalk virus, though other viruses such as adenovirus, astrovirus, and calicivirus also play significant roles1 4. Diagnosis has improved with the use of immunoassays, and treatment is generally supportive, with most patients recovering completely1.
Epidemiology and Age-Specific Patterns
Children
Viral diarrhea is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children. A study conducted in China from 2009 to 2021 revealed that 65.56% of pediatric patients with acute diarrhea tested positive for enteric viruses. The study found age-specific infection patterns: rotavirus and adenovirus were more prevalent in children aged 12-23 months, norovirus in those aged 6-11 months, and astrovirus and sapovirus in children aged 24-47 months2. Another study in Beijing found that Group A rotavirus was detected in 55.9% of all diarrheal patients, with a significant clustering during the winter months3.
Immunocompromised Patients
In HIV-infected patients, viral diarrhea is also common. A study in Atlanta found that 35% of fecal specimens from HIV-infected patients with diarrhea contained viruses, compared to only 12% from those without diarrhea. Astrovirus, picobirnavirus, and caliciviruses were more frequently detected in patients with diarrhea4. This suggests that novel enteric viruses may be more important etiologic agents in immunocompromised individuals than previously recognized.
Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
Rotavirus
Rotavirus is the most severe and common cause of acute sporadic diarrhea in children. It primarily affects the epithelial cells of the intestine, leading to severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. The virus is highly contagious and often leads to nosocomial outbreaks1 4.
Norovirus
Norovirus is a major cause of epidemic viral diarrhea, particularly in closed environments like families, institutions, and ships. It is also a common cause of traveler's diarrhea. The virus is highly infectious and can be transmitted through contaminated food and water4.
Other Viruses
Adenovirus, astrovirus, and calicivirus also contribute to viral diarrhea, though they are less common than rotavirus and norovirus. These viruses can cause significant morbidity, especially in young children and immunocompromised individuals4.
Prevention and Control
Hygiene and Sanitation
Good hygienic measures are effective in preventing the transmission of viral diarrhea. This includes regular hand washing, proper sanitation, and safe food handling practices1.
Vaccination
Vaccination is a key strategy in preventing rotavirus infections. Rotavirus vaccine trials are currently underway, and existing vaccines have shown effectiveness in reducing the incidence and severity of rotavirus diarrhea1.
Conclusion
Viral diarrhea remains a significant public health issue, particularly among children and immunocompromised individuals. Understanding the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and prevention strategies is crucial for managing and reducing the burden of this disease. Continued research and vaccination efforts are essential for effective control and prevention.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Viral diarrhea.
Viral diarrhea is caused by rotavirus and Norwalk virus, with mild symptoms in most patients and recovery often complete with supportive treatment and good hygiene.
Age‐specific spectrum of etiological pathogens for viral diarrhea among children in twelve consecutive winter‐spring seasons (2009–2021) in China
Age-specific patterns in viral diarrhea among children in China suggest rotavirus and norovirus as key etiological pathogens, with potential implications for prevention, prevention, and therapeutic approaches.
Observational StudyViral diarrhea in children in Beijing, China
Rotavirus G1-4 strains play an important role in severe diarrhea in Beijing children aged 5 years.
Observational Study
Highly CitedEnteric viruses and diarrhea in HIV-infected patients. Enteric Opportunistic Infections Working Group.
Novel enteric viruses like astrovirus and picobirnavirus may be more common etiologic agents of diarrhea in HIV-infected patients than previously recognized, potentially leading to more severe diarrhea than bacterial or parasitic enteropathogens.
Observational StudyHighly CitedViral causes of diarrhea : Specific Pathogens
Rotavirus is the most common cause of acute sporadic diarrhea in children, while caliciviruses, adenoviruses, astroviruses, and rotoviruses also cause adult diarrhea.
Recent Advances on the Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Molecular Pathogenesis, Immune Response, and Vaccines Development
Recent advances in BVDV molecular biology and immune response suggest potential novel targets for developing novel vaccines against the virus, potentially contributing to global eradication efforts.
Literature ReviewPathogenesis of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus isolate (US/Iowa/18984/2013) in 3-week-old weaned pigs.
Fecal shedding of PEDV and IHC staining can occur before and continue beyond clinical signs, increasing the risk of viral transmission in 3-week-old weaned pigs.
RCT
Animal StudyHighly CitedNucleotide sequence homology to bovine viral diarrhea virus 2 (BVDV 2) in the 5' untranslated region of BVDVs from cattle with mucosal disease or persistent infection in Japan.
Japanese BVDV isolates from cattle with mucosal disease or persistent infection belong to BVDV 2, not BVDV 1.
Highly CitedNew Viruses in Idiopathic Human Diarrhea Cases, the Netherlands
Novel circular DNA viruses, bufaviruses, and genogroup III picobirnaviruses were identified in idiopathic human diarrhea cases in the Netherlands using viral metagenomics.
Highly CitedA systematic worldwide review of the direct monetary losses in cattle due to bovine viral diarrhoea virus infection.
Direct monetary losses due to bovine viral diarrhoea virus infection vary globally, with factors like mortality, morbidity, premature culling, stillbirths, abortion, reinfection, country, and study type significantly influencing the monetary level of losses.
Systematic ReviewHighly Cited