Medical Diagnosis Exams

Rotavirus and adenovirus are the primary causative agent of nonbacterial, pediatric gastroenteritis and diarrhea. Infection may be entirely asymptomatic or produce a spectrum of disease ranging from mild gastroenteritis to severe diarrhea and vomiting with dehydration.

Rotaviral infections are seasonal, peaking in frequency between December and April in the temperate climates. The infection usually presents acutely with a fever and lasts for 4 to 8 days. Adenovirus may shed asymptomatically up to 18 months after infection. The virus may also become latent, then reactivate.