Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Rotavirus Infections: Narrative Review

Abstract

Rotavirus remains one of the leading causes of severe gastroenteritis, particularly among infants and young children, despite the introduction of effective vaccines. Although the global burden of rotavirus-associated morbidity and mortality has decreased in recent years, significant challenges remain regarding accurate diagnosis, optimal clinical management, and equitable access to preventive measures. The aim of this narrative review is to provide a comprehensive synthesis of recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of rotavirus infections. Particular emphasis is placed on post-guideline research emerging after the publication of the Evidence-Based Guidelines from the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) and the European Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases (ESPID), offering updated perspectives on therapeutic strategies and clinical practices. In addition, this review discusses the expanding role of molecular diagnostic methods, which offer enhanced sensitivity and specificity in the detection of rotavirus, and evaluates novel antiviral agents under investigation. By integrating and analyzing the most relevant research published within the past decade, we aim to delineate key progress, identify persistent gaps in knowledge, and propose future directions for research and clinical application.