Rotavirus Infection in Babies- Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Introduction

Rotavirus is a type of contagious virus that causes stomach flu in children. Infection from this virus can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and intestinal pain. It is one of the most common forms of disease that causes diarrhea worldwide. Diarrhea can be so severe that a child might lose fluid leading to dehydration in babies between three to fifteen months. Rotavirus infection is one of the significant causes of death in children globally. Most of the time, children recover through proper fluid intake, care, and rest. However, in severe cases of diarrhea, children suffer from dehydration and require emergency treatment.

What Is Rotavirus?

Rotavirus is one of the most common causes of gastrointestinal infection. It is a double-stranded virus of the Retroviridae family. It consists of 11 gene segments with three concentric shells. The outermost shell contains two proteins, G protein, and P protein which neutralize human antibodies in the immune body. In the family of retroviral G1 and G2 are the most infectious strains of the virus. It is a very stable virus. If it is not disinfected in between weeks and months, it remains viable.

How Is Rotavirus Infection Caused?

Rotavirus enters the child's body through the mouth. It replicates itself in the villous epithelium of the small intestine. Once it reaches the small intestine and causes infection, the intestinal absorption of sodium, glucose water, alkaline phosphatase, and lactase is decreased, resulting in diarrhea. Serum and mucosal antibodies are produced against the virus, acting as cell-mediated immunity. However, there are chances of infection even after recovery from the disease. Rotavirus can be seen in any group but most commonly affects children.

How Is Rotavirus Transmitted?

The rotavirus incubation period is 48 hours, and clinical symptoms are seen between five to seven days. Rotavirus spreads through hand-to-mouth contact.

Following are the various routes of transmission.

• Contaminated food.

• Contaminated objects.

• Contact with stool.

• Contact with an infected person.

What Is the Clinical Feature of Rotavirus Infection?

The clinical manifestation of rotavirus depends upon the severity and frequency of infection. The infection may be self-limiting with watery diarrhea to severe dehydration with vomiting and fever. If the child is above three months, the disease is usually severe as the child below three months has passive maternal bodies due to breastfeeding. If the infection is mild gastrointestinal symptoms resolve in one week.

Following are the various signs and symptoms seen in rotavirus infection.

• Fever.

• Rapid pulse.

• Vomiting.

• Frequent watery diarrhea lasts from three to eight days.

• Abdominal pain.

• Dehydration due to too much loss of fluid.

• Dry mouth.

• Thrust.

• Lethargy.

• Drowsiness.

• Dizziness

• Irritability.

• Skin appears to be pale and blotchy.

• Loss of appetite.

• Weight loss.

• Sunken eyes.

• The Baby's fontanelle seems to be sunken.

• Urination frequency is decreased.

• The stool is black and tarry and sometimes contains blood and pus.

What Are the Risk Factors for Rotavirus Infection?

This infection is most commonly found in children between three to thirty-five months. Children in child daycare are at higher risk as there are large numbers. Children who are not vaccinated are at higher risk of vaccines. Any child who is present with family members suffering from rotavirus is at higher risk of infection. Children who are immunocompromised are at higher risk of persistent disease.

What Are the Complications of Rotavirus Infection?

Following are the complications of severe infection of rotavirus.

• Severe diarrhea.

• Electrolyte imbalance.

• Dehydration.

• Metabolic acidosis.

• Prolonged gastroenteritis.

• Abnormalities in the organ system.

How Is Rotavirus Infection Treated?

Treatment of rotavirus infection depends upon the severity of the disease, age, and health status of the patient. Treatment plans depend upon the severity of the disease. If the child suffers from a mild infection, it resolves itself with proper fluid intake. Fever can be treated by antibiotic therapy. However, treatment is required if the child is suffering from severe dehydration.

Following are the treatment plans observed.

• Intravenous Fluid - Due to severe dehydration, there is a loss of fluid in this child, who needs intravenous fluid replacement therapy.

• Medications - Antibiotic therapy is advised to treat symptoms.

• Surgery - It is advised in case of inflammation of the intestines.

How Is the Rotavirus Infection Diagnosed?

Laboratory investigations are advised for diagnosing rotavirus infection: blood investigation and stool examination. Stool samples should be collected in a clean container and sent for stool examination. Blood investigations are advised to measure blood samples' sugar, salt, and electrolyte balance levels.

How Can Rotavirus Infection Be Prevented?

Children need to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection. Parents should be aware of the vaccination procedure to build immunity. Rotarix and RotaTeq are types of oral vaccines available. According to the Centers for disease control and prevention, vaccines are advised to prevent infection. Vaccination is recommended at two months, four-month, and six months.

Following are a few preventive measures parents should take to reduce the disease risk.

• Parents should dispose of dirty diapers properly.

• Parents should clean their hands properly before and after changing the diapers.

• Hands should be cleaned with soap and warm water and dried with a clean towel.

• Always keep the hands of the child clean.

• Parents should ensure hand cleaning and proper hygiene are maintained in daycare.

• Parents should use an alcohol-based sanitizer.

• Parents should clean hard surfaces and disinfectants such as toys and door knobs.

Conclusion

Rotavirus is a contagious infection that results in gastrointestinal infection. It is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in infants and children. There are several complications related to rotavirus infections in children. Parents should always take preventive measures to reduce the risk. Vaccination is advised as it builds immunity; however, if the child has a history of allergy, intussusception, and severe combined immunodeficiency, vaccines are contraindicated. If the parents have any symptoms in their children, they should reach out to the pediatrician as soon as possible. Parents can follow home remedies such as giving proper rest to the child, plenty of fluid intake, and electrolyte intake.