Enteric viruses

Abstract

Enteric virus infections are responsible for a considerable burden of disease worldwide, and the associated mortality is particularly significant in young children. The incidence of rotavirus gastroenteritis is similar in both industrialized and developing countries, suggesting that improvements in water supply, hygiene and sanitation have little impact on the incidence of rotavirus infection. Although every child throughout the world will have experienced at least one rotavirus infection by the age of 5, the mortality associated with infection is concentrated in developing countries, with over 600 000 children dying per year as a result of dehydration associated with rotavirus infection.