Viruses
Common
viruses responsible for causing gastroenteritis include astrovirus, calcivirus,
enteric adenovirus, norwalk virus, parvo-virus, and rotavirus (groups A, B, C).
Rotavirus is
the most common cause of diarrhoeal diseasein infants and children, though
there is a variant, which also affects older children and adults (adult
diarrhoea rotavirus or ADRV).
Adenovirus is
another common agent of diarrhoeal diseasein children. Incubation period of
rotavirus/adenovirus diarrhoea varies from 24 to 72 hours. Vomiting begins
abruptly and then resolves. Diarrhoea then settles in and lasts for 4 to 7
days. Stools are watery and foul smelling.
Parvovirus gastroenteritis
is the adult variety with anincubation period of 24 to 36 hours, followed by
abrupt onset of diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Myalgia is often
present.
Viral
diarrhoeas are invariably self-limiting and require only rehydration by way of
treatment. Infants must be admin-istered oral rehydration solutions, while
older children and adults can be managed on the BRATT diet (Bananas, Rice,
Apples, Tea, Toast).
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