Chapter 13 Rotavirus

Learning outcomes Define retrovirus, cause,symptoms Vaccine available and prevention steps for parent

Introduction Firstly introduced in Australia,1973 Chronic Diarrhea to infant and children below 5 years Cause rotavirus gastroenteritis In worldwide, half million of children below 5 years death Live in water, hand,hard objects for several days.

Rotavirus Rota – means wheel-like in greek Double-stranded, segmented RNA virus

Rotaviruses 80 nm in diameter. Also found in other mammals and birds, causing diarrhoea. Account for 50-80% of all cases of viral gastroenteritis. Usually endemic, but responsible for occasional outbreaks. Causes disease in all age groups but most severe symptoms in neonates and young children. Asymptomatic infections common in adults and older children. Symptomatic infections again common in people over 60. Up to 30% mortality rate in malnourished children

80% of the population have antibody against rotavirus by the age of 3. More frequent during the winter hr incubation period followed by an abrupt onset of vomiting and diarrhoea, a low grade fever may be present. Diagnosed by electron microscopy or by the detection of rotavirus antigens in faeces by ELISA or other assays. Live attenuated vaccines now available for use in children

Rotavirus gastroenteritis Attack small intestine and cause symptoms like diarrhea >10 days, fever, abdominal pain, vomit till 8 days  dehydration  organ failure  shock  death 10 virus cell enough to cause disease

Prevention Parent must: apply proper and good hygiene.(exp. toys, wash hand before and after eat, after leave the toilet, after touch the dust objects) Don’t share food with other infected patient Boil the water even its already filtrate Best prevention: take 2 vaccine dose for baby < 6 months

Vaccine 2 doses (Rotarix) or 3 doses (Rotateq). There is no much difference in the cost, about RM 300 in total. A study conducted in Malaysia reported the cost of treating a baby with gastroenteritis in Malaysia is RM 650. So, the cost is acceptable.

Rotavirus case in Perak In Jan 2012,2 babies (2 and 10 years)died cause AGE (acute gastroenteritis) >2000 patients in Hilir Perak is reported