Summary
Definition
Viral gastroenteritis is an infection of the gastrointestinal tract by a virus, usually rotavirus. It is usually self-limiting, but if untreated may result in morbidity and mortality secondary to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and metabolic acidosis.[Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: Transmission electron micrograph of intact rotavirus particles, double-shelled. Distinctive rim of radiating capsomeresCDC/Dr Erskine Palmer; used with permission [Citation ends].
History and exam
Key diagnostic factors
- age <5 years
- exposure to people with gastroenteritis
- lack of immunization against rotavirus
- vomiting
- nonbloody diarrhea
- hyperactive bowel sounds
Other diagnostic factors
- abdominal pain
- low-grade fever
- evidence of dehydration
- decreased body weight
- nondistended abdomen
- abdominal tenderness
- mucus in stool
Risk factors
- age <5 years
- poor personal hygiene
- exposure to people with gastroenteritis
- daycare attendance
- winter months
- poverty
- lack of immunization against rotavirus
- lack of breast-feeding
- immunodeficiency
Diagnostic tests
Tests to consider
- serum electrolytes, BUN, creatinine
- CBC
- blood cultures
- stool microscopy
- stool culture
- enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for detection of viral antigen
- stool electron microscopy
Treatment algorithm
Contributors
Authors
Alexander K.C. Leung, MB BS, FRCPC, FRCP, FRCPCH, FAAP
Clinical Professor of Pediatrics
The University of Calgary
Calgary
Alberta
Canada
Disclosures
AKCL is an author of a guideline and a number of references cited in this topic.
Peer reviewers
Saul Greenberg, MD
Associate Professor
Department of Paediatrics
University of Toronto
Ontario
Canada
Disclosures
SG declares that he has no competing interests.
Y.L. Lau, MBCBhB, MD, FRCP, FRCPCH, FRCPS, FHKAM, FHKCPaed
Professor
Faculty of Medicine
University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Disclosures
YLL declares that he has no competing interests.
Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer