Rotavirus infection in infants occurs with a primary lesion of the digestive system. The disease is acute and with medical care provided, doctors give a favorable prognosis. Chronic rotavirus infection is rather an exception to the rule.

According to statistics, intestinal infection in infants often acts as a reason for contacting pediatricians and infectious disease specialists. As the television pediatrician Komarovsky notes, high mortality from rotavirus infection was detected in children of the first three years of life.

The percentage of morbidity of infants with rotavirus infection is equal between the countries of the world. The spread of this pathogen does not affect the standard of living in the country. The number of cases of severe course and deaths with rotavirus and its complications can vary. Young children are more susceptible to infection. The number of reported cases of rotavirus intestinal pathology in infancy is increasing every year.

Rotavirus in infants is transmitted by the fecal-oral route. This means that the pathogen enters the baby's digestive tract. Most intestinal infections have this route of transmission, including hemolyzing Escherichia coli in infants.

A simple and common way of transmission of the pathogen is through contaminated food or water, from where it enters the body. The virus enters the intestines with food or water, as well as through unwashed hands. No less often, the virus enters through food that is cooked with technological violations or improperly stored. An infant may become infected through contact with a sick mother. Can a newborn get rotavirus from mom is an interesting question. It depends on her health and on the state of immunity of the baby. If a nursing mother has rotavirus in her body, the risk of infecting the child is high. At the same time, the mother may not have a clinic of the disease - she remains a healthy carrier. This is the answer to the question of whether a baby can get sick while breastfeeding.

If the mother herself is sick with rotavirus, it is allowed to continue breastfeeding, subject to the rules of hygiene and antiseptics, since rotavirus is not transmitted through breast milk to the baby. There is no danger to the child. In addition, he will receive antibodies to the virus with milk, which are contained during lactation in a nursing mother who has had rotavirus.

Incubation period

The incubation period is the time from the first penetration of the virus into the baby's body until the first signs that he is sick. As a rule, this time is 1-2 days. During this period, the rotavirus manages to penetrate the intestines and multiplies there.

1. Initially, the pathogen enters the oral cavity of the baby, and then from there it reaches the lumen of the small intestine without problems.
2. Having penetrated into the intestine, the virus is introduced into the cells of the intestinal epithelium and there begins to multiply intensively. As a result, the cells of the intestinal epithelium are destroyed and the absorption of fluid in the intestine is disturbed.
3. As a result of the destruction of cells, the normal functioning of the intestine is disrupted. An enzymatic deficiency develops. Sugars are no longer broken down and absorbed in the intestines. They enter the lumen of the colon and disrupt the transport of fluid there.
4. An increase in the amount of fluid and mineral elements in the intestinal lumen leads to the development of severe diarrhea in the newborn.
5. In addition, an acute inflammatory process develops in the intestine.

As diarrhea and vomiting increase, the clinical picture of dehydration develops.

Clinic in infants

Pronounced clinical manifestations in infants relate to the digestive organs. In addition, rotavirus invades the epithelial cells of the upper respiratory tract and causes catarrhal respiratory symptoms. Symptoms and treatment of rotavirus infection in an infant depend on the severity of the disease. There are three degrees of severity of the infectious process.

First clinical symptoms

As a rule, in infants, rotavirus infection debuts acutely and is manifested by an increase in temperature to febrile numbers and respiratory phenomena. Catarrhal phenomena in rotavirus infection converge with those in respiratory viral infection and do not cause significant anxiety in parents. The first ones in the baby do not come immediately. Therefore, rotavirus has received a second name - intestinal flu.

Nausea and vomiting

On the first day of the onset of the disease, vomiting appears. Reflex eruption is allowed both single and repeated. As a rule, vomiting continues during the day.

loose stool

On the second day, babies develop frequent and profuse diarrhea. Less commonly, these symptoms of rotavirus appear on the first day of the onset of the disease.

Feces in a child are initially yellowish in color, and then become gray. The consistency of the stool is initially mushy, but then becomes liquid. There are cases when impurities in the form of foam are found in the feces. There may be signs of a bacterial infection in the form of impurities in the feces, mucus and blood.

A distinctive feature is the sharp fetid smell of children's feces. The frequency of urge to defecate is from 10 to 50 times a day. This will depend on the severity of the condition and the number of viral particles in the body of the baby.

Pain and bloating in the abdomen

Frequent vomiting and diarrhea are caused by increased motor activity and irritation of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. Together, this provokes spasm and pain in the abdomen.

Of course, the baby will not tell you what is bothering him. You can determine the symptom by a sharp cry and anxiety of the child. When crying, he twitches his legs. The baby's abdomen is swollen, with palpation, seething or rumbling is clearly heard.

Dehydration Clinic

Repeated repeated vomiting and diarrhea lead to the fact that the child develops severe dehydration. The body of a newborn in a short time loses a copious amount of fluid. Critical dehydration without recovery of fluid volume is called exsicosis.

If a disease in a child up to a year proceeds at lightning speed, it is extremely dangerous for the life of an infant. Rapid exsicosis leads to loss of consciousness and can even lead to death! The risk is high for premature babies with low body weight. It is customary to distinguish three stages of dehydration in a child.

General intoxication

There are symptoms that characterize intoxication:

1. An increase in body temperature to febrile numbers, which is accompanied by chills.
2. Lethargy and drowsiness, apathy.
3. Paleness of the skin with a marble tint.
4. Refusal of food and drink.
5. Convulsive syndrome and loss of consciousness.

Accession of a secondary infection

In severe cases, when the child's immune defenses are extremely weak, a secondary acute bacterial infection can quickly join. E. coli in infants, which is assumed to be a variant of the norm, causes an inflammatory process and further exacerbates the course of the disease.

First of all, measures are taken to prevent dehydration of the child's body. In addition, the intestinal microflora is normalized and damaged intestinal cellular structures are restored. For this, the patient is given orally during an intestinal infection sorbents and preparations from the group of probiotics.

Symptomatic treatment includes reduction of pain and fever, as well as nausea and vomiting. It is not possible to give antipyretic and analgesic drugs inside children in all cases. With severe vomiting, it is better to use rectal suppositories or parenteral preparations.

If there was a secondary bacterial infection, antibiotic etiotropic therapy is carried out. The effect of an antibiotic with a wide therapeutic spectrum - Gentamicin has been proven. It is administered intramuscularly for 5 days.

Often, nursing mothers ask on forums and at an appointment with an infectious disease specialist the question of whether. Since an acute process in the intestine develops a deficiency of the lactase enzyme, which is responsible for the breakdown of milk sugar, milk, including mother's milk, is excluded from the child's diet. During the illness, the baby is given special lactose-free mixtures.

Treatment of rotavirus in infants begins with dehydration. For this purpose, the baby is soldered with saline solutions, a glucose solution or a decoction of chamomile. Drinking plenty of fluids both helps treat dehydration and has a detoxifying effect. A month-old child takes a drink in small portions, but often. Too large doses of liquid at a time cause a new attack of vomiting.

The question of what to give the baby with an acute infectious intestinal disease is decided by the attending physician.

Baby nutrition and fluid replenishment

In severe cases, with a pronounced course of the disease, breastfeeding has to be canceled and the baby transferred to lactose-free mixtures. Such feeding will have to be maintained for 2-3 weeks.

Give your child saline solutions to replenish lost fluids. The recommended drug for soldering children with intestinal infections is called rehydron. This medicine contains sodium citrate and sodium chloride. With its help, the acid-base balance and water-salt balance are restored in children who suffer from intestinal infections and suffer from dehydration.

If the diarrhea is mild, it is prescribed to drink saline solutions at the rate of 50 ml per 1 kg of the child's weight per knock.

Infants with severe diarrhea receive 100 ml of solution per 1 kg of body weight per day.

Newborn children drink a teaspoon every 10 minutes. Babies who have already learned to drink on their own drink 1-2 sips after each bowel movement.

Although breast milk is an incomparable food for the baby in the first months of life, in the acute period there is a need to refuse breastfeeding. The child is fed with adapted mixtures that do not contain lactose. If the baby is on a combined type of feeding, complementary foods are chosen that are gentle and do not cause irritation in the intestines. Choose foods that do not contain milk when weaning.

Restoration of normal intestinal microflora

To protect the intestinal epithelium from rotavirus and restore normal intestinal microflora, give your child preparations containing probiotics.

In infants, the balance of normal intestinal microflora is easily disturbed. This leads to the development of dysbacteriosis. By itself and diarrhea or constipation. Therefore, it is so important to take timely measures to restore the intestinal microflora.

Probiotics are medicines that contain live cultures - lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. There is another group of medications called prebiotics. Prebiotics are substances that affect the development of normal flora in the body.

Should I call an ambulance

Infants tolerate acute intestinal infections much harder than other children and adults. In a premature infant, the clinical picture of dehydration occurs already half an hour after the onset of the first clinical symptoms. Timely medical care will help to avoid serious complications, and in some cases save the life of a newborn child.

As soon as the child has vomiting or diarrhea, you should immediately call emergency care. Until the doctor arrives, take measures to prevent the development of exsicosis. Use a baby bottle with a nipple, as well as a teaspoon or a plastic disposable syringe to give your baby water to drink. If there is no rehydron at hand, brew a weak solution of chamomile or tea. In cases of severe vomiting, hospitalize the child for fluid therapy.

If a child has developed repeated indomitable vomiting, it is important to ensure that the baby does not choke on vomit. It is better to lay the child so that the head is turned to the side. It is important not to let him out of sight and not to leave him alone during vomiting.

Rotavirus infection in children is a rather serious disease. The name "rotavirus infection" appeared in the lexicon of physicians a decade or two ago, however, the frequency of intestinal infections in babies - as the whole group used to be called - has always been high and these diseases frightened parents, and even doctors with their suddenness and seeming causelessness. Against the background of full health, the child's body temperature suddenly rose sharply and vomiting began, which was soon joined by diarrhea - a really alarming situation!
Causes and ways of transmission
The causative agent of the disease is the so-called rotavirus, discovered in the world 30-40 years ago, but in our country began to be diagnosed in the 90s. It affects the mucous membrane of the stomach and small intestine, causing gastroenteritis. Up to a year, the disease is rare, because there are antibodies that prevent the virus from multiplying, which the child receives from the mother, even if she is not breastfed. The pathogen is transmitted by contact - through poorly washed hands, food, can also be transmitted through drinking water. People of all ages suffer from rotavirus infection, but adults tolerate the disease easily, sometimes even asymptomatically, while being carriers of a virus that is dangerous for children. Therefore, preventive measures are simple and understandable to everyone - wash your hands, fruits and vegetables before eating - too, and for small children it is also good to rinse with boiling water. Boil water or disinfect it in some other way. The same applies to milk, in which the virus multiplies well - even steam must be boiled!
Clinical manifestations and treatment
Rotavirus infection in children manifests itself immediately acutely with a rise in temperature to 37-39 degrees, in some cases in the first hours there is a sore throat and small manifestations of acute respiratory infections, which causes an incorrect diagnosis - the child is treated for acute respiratory infections or influenza, if the symptoms are more like him. After some time, symptoms of gastroenteritis appear - vomiting and liquid, multiple stools. Pain in the abdomen for this infection is uncharacteristic, there may be pain when stroking or touching the navel, which in principle is characteristic of gastroenteritis. There are no cures for the virus, as such, but the supervision of the child must be carried out by a doctor. The frequency of stools with rotavirus infection can reach 20 times a day, which, together with vomiting, greatly dehydrates the child's body. Life-threatening is the loss of 8% of body weight with fluid, which is very likely with this infection. The issue of hospitalization depends on the child's ability to drink fluids, if vomiting is still not so frequent and fluid intake by mouth is possible, the child can stay at home, but everything that he drinks and what he loses should be carefully considered. If replenishment of fluid losses is possible only through droppers, the child is hospitalized in the infectious diseases department.
There is no alternative, and due to the fact that rotavirus infection in children spontaneously ends, usually after 2-3 days, the child will not need to stay in the hospital for a long time.
We talked about infection prevention measures above. The last thing I want to emphasize is that everyone needs to be aware of the signs of dehydration. A child of 1-3 years old may not complain of thirst, may not complain about anything at all - he may simply be sharply inhibited, lie quietly, not being interested in anything - in this case, severe dehydration will be indicated: dry mouth, chapped lips, reduced skin turgor and its dryness and most importantly - notice how often the child visits the toilet or sits on the potty - it is likely that he has not been there since the morning. And that should be a wake up call.

Rotavirus infection is an infectious disease caused by rotaviruses. Rotavirus, the symptoms of exposure to which are manifested in moderate symptoms of enteritis or gastroenteritis, is often combined with respiratory and intestinal syndromes during the initial manifestation of the disease. People of any age are susceptible to rotavirus infection, meanwhile, the incidence is most often observed among children from six months to two years.

general description

Rotavirus infection is also defined as RI, rotavirus gastroenteritis, rotavirus, stomach or intestinal flu. The transmission of the virus is carried out mainly by the food way, that is, through unwashed food, dirty hands, etc.

Thus, infection with the infection is possible in a variety of ways and, again, through products with rotavirus (in particular, dairy products should be highlighted here, which are especially susceptible to infection due to the specifics of their production). It is noteworthy that rotaviruses can live even in the refrigerator for a long period of time, and water chlorination does not affect them. Contrary to the generally accepted opinion regarding the effect of holy water on viruses, due to its altered structure, it should be emphasized that it does not affect the activity of rotaviruses in any way.

Given that rotavirus also provokes inflammation in the respiratory tract, they spread by analogy with the traditional virus, that is, by droplet method (coughing, sneezing). The virus penetrates into the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), while the small intestine is predominantly affected. When the gastrointestinal tract is affected, rotavirus infection causes a disease such as enteritis, which manifests itself in inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, respectively, after which symptoms characteristic of rotavirus infection occur. They are expressed in particular in violations of the digestion of food, which provokes the development of diarrhea with simultaneous dehydration.

Rotavirus infection: symptoms in children

The course of the disease in children occurs in a more severe form than in adults. The patient becomes a distributor of the virus from its first manifestations, remaining contagious until they are completely completed along with the disease itself. Recovery, as a rule, comes in five to seven days, and the body develops a sufficiently strong immunity to the virus, which makes it possible to assert the practical impossibility of subsequent infection with rotavirus.

The incubation period is from 1 to 5 days, while the acute period begins in children from 3-7 days. The severe course of the acute period of the disease can provoke a subsequent increase and the duration of this period, in which case it can be more than 7 days. It takes about 4-5 days to recover from an illness.

Rotavirus infection is characterized by an acute onset of its own. Its main manifestations are expressed in vomiting and a sharp increase in temperature, diarrhea is possible. Stool with rotavirus infection is quite characteristic. So, on the first day it is yellow, liquid, on the second and third days it is clay-like, gray-yellow in color. As a rule, among the sick there is a runny nose and redness of the throat, as well as pain that occurs when swallowing. The acute period is characterized by a lack of appetite, as well as a state of loss of strength.

Most often, rotavirus infection in children is characterized by the following scenario. So, the morning rise is noted in the child by lethargy and capriciousness, in the morning nausea appears. Vomiting (often with mucus) is possible, and it is relevant even if the stomach is empty. Appetite is significantly reduced, after eating, vomiting occurs with the release of pieces of undigested food, it also occurs after drinking a liquid in a volume of more than 50 ml.

Further, the temperature rises, and by the evening it can exceed 39 ° C. It is noteworthy that the disease is characterized by a stable and high temperature, that is, it is very difficult to bring it down. The duration of the state in a stay with a high temperature can be about 5 days.

Additionally, the symptoms of rotavirus infection are manifested in the form of liquid stools with an unpleasant odor, as well as pain in the abdomen. In very young children, who are not yet able to explain their painful sensations, crying with a characteristic rumbling in the tummy acts as a sign of the presence of pain. Toddlers become irritable and whiny, in addition, they also rapidly lose weight. The second day of illness (as well as subsequent days) is characterized by drowsiness. Proper treatment allows you to eliminate all manifestations of the infection in question in up to 7 days, after which complete recovery comes. The only thing that can subsequently cause discomfort for some time is loose stools.

As for the intensity of manifestations, as well as the severity and duration of the symptoms that rotavirus infection brings with it, in general they are different. It is noteworthy that the symptoms characteristic of infection are similar to those of other diseases of a more severe nature. As such, one can single out, for example, or. It is for this reason that when a child's temperature rises, as well as with nausea and/or loose stools, he should immediately call a doctor at home. With sharp pains in the abdomen, as an additional symptom, you need to call an ambulance. Self-medication should be excluded up to the specific prescriptions of the doctor.

Complications of rotavirus infection in children

Proper treatment of rotavirus infection does not cause complications. However, if you exclude frequent drinking with diarrhea and vomiting, especially for children under the age of one year, dehydration can even lead to death (up to 3% of all cases). Lack of taking the required measures can also lead to the addition of an intestinal bacterial infection to the virus, which will further complicate the course of the disease and the condition of the child. It is imperative to control the temperature in a child, because with a prolonged increase within 39 ° C, the load on the cardiovascular system increases significantly, convulsions are possible.

In general, the transferred disease does not carry any long-term consequences, therefore, one can indicate favorable forecasts for the future.

Symptoms of rotavirus infection in adults

As we have already noted, the course of the disease in adults is milder than in children. As for re-infection, here, unlike them, with a low level of antibodies, immunity is not developed properly against rotavirus infection, and therefore its symptoms may recur again.

The specificity of the disease is the same. So, it is also a viral gastroenteritis, whose course affects the gastrointestinal tract, and is also expressed in dehydration and general intoxication. The most common way of infection is contact with contaminated food, but household, water and other contact is not excluded.

In adults, moderate intoxication, with lethargy, muscle weakness, headache and weakness, subfebrile temperature (up to 37.7 ° C). The pharynx becomes puffy, a white coating appears on the tongue, the heart sounds are muffled (which is determined by a doctor's examination). The onset of the disease is also characterized by its own severity, which manifests itself during the first day after infection. There are also pains in the abdomen (epigastric region). The stool is watery (within 3-9 times a day), among the symptoms there are also nausea, vomiting.

With this infection, diarrhea is profuse, characterized by a sharp smell and pale color, in some cases an admixture of mucus is possible, lasting up to a week. Given the severity of fluid loss, dehydration also develops rapidly, which, in turn, can lead to circulatory failure and stop the body from producing urine (anuria). It should be noted that often rotavirus infection is an actual phenomenon that occurs as a complication of diseases affecting the respiratory tract (,).

Meanwhile, in many cases, the disease is characterized by ease of flow with the absence of symptoms characteristic of it in the form of nausea and vomiting, while the stool is liquid and infrequent. In any of the variants of the course of the disease, the patient is a carrier of the infection, respectively, in this he is dangerous for the people around him.

Rotavirus infection: treatment in children

To eliminate rotavirus drugs, as such, does not exist. For this reason, the treatment of infection is symptomatic, and, therefore, is focused on normalizing the condition by restoring the water-salt balance, which is disturbed due to vomiting and diarrhea. Also, the goal of treatment is to combat the results obtained from infectious effects in the form of dehydration, toxicosis and disorders in the urinary and cardiovascular systems.

The manifestation of symptoms indicating gastrointestinal disorders in a child, in no case allows the consumption of milk and dairy products in any form, because at the moment they are an excellent support for the growth of bacteria.

The child may also have reduced appetite or it is completely absent - in any case, you do not need to force him to eat. A good alternative to food in this state will be a small amount of jelly (on water, jam and starch, that is, homemade), you can also give chicken broth. In the event that the child does not refuse food, you can give him liquid rice porridge without oil (slightly sweetened). The main thing in nutrition is the insignificance of portion sizes, which will prevent a gag reflex with gradual saturation.

The main treatment, in addition to dietary restrictions, is the use of rehydration therapy, sorbents (activated carbon, attapulgite, dioctahedral smectite) are also applicable. Days in which severe vomiting or diarrhea occurs provide for the replacement of salts and fluid volumes lost through vomit and loose stools. This provides for the possibility of using rehydron (a sachet per liter of water) of 50 ml with an interval of every half an hour or an hour until the liquid runs out. When skipping the intake of this solution due to sleep, the child should not be awakened, nor should he be given a solution in excess of 50 ml for this reason, because he can simply vomit it.

As for the temperature, the important point is the fact that the virus dies at 38 ° C, respectively, the temperature below this limit does not need to be brought down. This applies not only to rotavirus infection, but also, say, the common cold - a well-known fact is that it is highly discouraged to bring down the temperature to this point (figuratively speaking, the body and its immune system, in particular, need to be allowed to "fight").

To bring down the temperature higher, the doctor will prescribe suppositories for children under the age of 3 years (cefikon), for older children paracetamol is prescribed (according to the dosage for a specific age). Wiping with a weak vodka solution can also be used to bring down the temperature (the whole body is wiped without allowing temperature drops in the areas between its individual sections). Rubbing is done half an hour after taking the medicine for temperature in the absence of a result.

Children's menu for rotavirus infection (memo for parents)

Gastrointestinal disorders with temperature are eliminated by taking Enterofuril as prescribed by the doctor in the dosage indicated by him. The drug is intended for the treatment and prevention of infection, as well as to prevent a protracted course of diarrhea in a patient. Pain in the abdomen is eliminated by no-shpa, again, as prescribed by the doctor and at the dosage indicated by him (usually in the form of a solution).

Rotavirus infection: treatment in adults

Considering the greater adaptability of the adult organism to this type of shock (and the adaptability of the gastrointestinal tract to them in particular), as well as their stronger immunity, the disease proceeds in a mild form of exposure. Given this, special treatment in this case is not required. If the symptoms are severe, then the treatment is focused on eliminating specific symptoms. So, this may include the prevention of dehydration through frequent drinking of saline solutions (based on rehydron), as well as water, tea.

Additionally, sorbents are taken to accelerate the removal of toxins and improve well-being, as well as astringent medications. An important point is also the restriction in nutrition (in particular, the restriction is extended to the consumption of foods saturated with carbohydrates in the form of fruits, sugar, vegetables), again, dairy products are excluded.

Due to the fact that the disease is contagious, the patient must be isolated during treatment, thereby limiting the spread of rotavirus infection. Hospitalization is possible on the basis of epidemiological and clinical indications.

If you suspect a rotavirus infection, you should contact your general practitioner (pediatrician) or infectious disease specialist, who will determine the necessary treatment based on the tests required for this. Additionally, he can also refer the patient to a gastroenterologist.

Parents do not always distinguish intestinal infections from ordinary intestinal disorders, they are perplexed by what the child could be poisoned with. After all, he ate everything fresh, they did not offer him any new products, and in the morning he suddenly vomited, diarrhea began. Sometimes parents rashly try to give their baby antibiotics. But in the case of rotavirus, they are of no use. You need to call a doctor who knows all the subtleties of the treatment of the disease. Usually it affects children under the age of 5 years, when the immune system is not yet strong enough. It is especially difficult for babies under 1 year old.

Sometimes such a disease is also called "intestinal flu", but some experts do not consider this name to be correct. As emphasized, for example, by the famous children's doctor E. Komarovsky, influenza is a respiratory infection, and rotavirus mainly destroys the mucous membrane of the digestive system (stomach, intestines, duodenum), which leads to intestinal disorders and dehydration.

Within 5 days after infection, the baby may not have any signs of the disease (the so-called incubation period). Then comes the acute stage. For no apparent reason, he wakes up crying in the middle of the night, vomiting. There are obvious signs of poisoning. The baby is especially bad in the first 2-3 days. Recovery occurs in about 5-8 days. However, signs of the disease may appear for another 4-5 days.

A large number of pathogens of rotavirus infection come out with feces, so a sick baby can easily infect other children and adults, especially in the first week. Then he is already allowed to visit children's institutions if he does not have a relapse of the disease. In order to determine that the child is completely healthy, a rota test is done (an express method for detecting rotavirus in feces). It is made by a specialist.

The disease can proceed in different ways. 3 options are possible:

1. First, symptoms of a respiratory disease appear (runny nose, cough) without fever, and then signs of intestinal upset.
2. Indigestion occurs, and then other signs of rotavirus infection in children appear.
3. Weakness, drowsiness appear, appetite disappears, and after a while there is pain in the abdomen and other symptoms. This condition often occurs in children under 1 year old. The baby begins to press the legs to the tummy and cry.

Symptoms of infection

The main symptoms of rotavirus infection are vomiting, diarrhea, fever. Because of the strong vomiting of the patient, it is impossible to drink water, it immediately comes back.

The baby develops spasmodic pain in the abdomen and diarrhea. On the first day, stools are plentiful, frequent (urges occur 10-15 times a day). The color of the feces is yellow, the consistency is liquid, foamy, the smell is sour. In the following days, the stool becomes thicker, its color is yellowish-gray. Pain occurs mainly in the umbilical region.

The temperature rises to 39 degrees and above. It is difficult to bring down the usual antipyretic drugs.

Warning: Vomiting and diarrhea can be symptoms of food poisoning. The difference is that in case of poisoning, the child becomes better after he vomits or a bowel movement occurs. And with an intestinal infection after bouts of relief does not happen. Therefore, in order to understand what the baby is sick with, it is necessary to ask him if he has become better.

In addition to these symptoms, with a rotavirus infection, a child also has others: appetite disappears, a headache appears. The baby becomes lethargic and sleepy.

How can an infection enter the body?

Rotavirus enters the body of the crumbs through the mouth. A six-month-old baby learns to crawl, pulls various objects into his mouth, sucks on his fists. Therefore, it can easily become infected. Rotavirus infection can be found on poorly washed hands, in dust on toys or furniture. Eating unwashed fruits and vegetables is also a cause of infection.

Rotavirus is present both in feces and in saliva or nasal mucus. If the patient does not wash his hands well after the toilet, and then touches the door handles, then an infection remains on them, which is transmitted to the baby and other family members. Usually everyone gets sick in turn, but in adults, the symptoms do not appear so much (nausea for 1-2 days, there may be diarrhea). Sometimes they do not feel any signs of the disease at all, but they are virus carriers.

Parents of a baby cannot always figure out that the cause of a runny nose, dry cough and conjunctivitis is a rotavirus infection. Another child, having communicated with the patient, easily becomes infected.

Often, outbreaks of rotavirus infection are noted at marine recreation centers, where infection occurs through dirty sea water or sand, where sanitary and hygienic conditions are far from normal. Children easily become infected in kindergarten, school. Infection is possible in hospitals where there are virus carriers, children or adults.

Video: Signs of rotavirus infection, diagnosis, treatment principles, vaccination effectiveness

What complications can be

Rotavirus infection for children is quite dangerous. During the illness, they experience the following complications:

1. Dehydration of the body. This condition occurs due to the large loss of fluid during vomiting and diarrhea. It is very dangerous for a small child, leading to his death. The baby needs to drink plenty of lightly salted water. If it is impossible to drink it, then the solution is injected through a dropper.
2. Acetonemic syndrome. Due to dehydration of the body, metabolic disorders occur. At the same time, acetone and acetoacetic acid accumulate in the blood, causing poisoning, which increases vomiting, drowsiness, lethargy, and stomach pain. There is a smell of acetone from the mouth.
3. Seizures. They can occur in babies due to high body temperature. It needs to be knocked down not only with the help of antipyretics, but also by wiping children (for example, alcohol diluted half with water).
4. The defeat of the nervous system, which is manifested by fainting, delirium. In this case, convulsions appear at normal or slightly elevated temperature. This complication occurs as a reaction of the body to toxins.

Advice: Given the possibility of such severe complications, if a child develops diarrhea and frequent bouts of vomiting, it is imperative to consult a doctor so that the baby is given timely assistance.

Diagnosis of rotavirus infection

Accurate diagnosis is also needed because rotavirus infection is easily confused with dysentery, salmonellosis, gastritis, and food poisoning. In each case, completely different drugs are required. Improper treatment can cost the patient his life, especially if it is an infant.

To establish the diagnosis, a general blood and urine test is done, which allows you to confirm the fact that the cause of the disease is an infection. After recovery, blood composition indicators (leukocytes, erythrocytes) return to normal.

The presence of rotavirus in the blood is determined using the ELISA method - enzyme immunoassay for antibodies to this virus.

To determine exactly the type of virus by its DNA, as well as to quantify their content in the body, the PCR method (polymerase chain reaction) allows.

Such tests provide an opportunity to find out if other types of infection (for example, salmonella) are present in the body.

Video: Symptoms, prevention and treatment of rotavirus infection

Treatment

In viral diseases, antibiotics are powerless. There are no drugs that would affect rotavirus. Treatment is required not from the infection itself, but from the symptoms of the disease caused by it (symptomatic therapy). It is aimed at alleviating the condition of the baby and preventing dangerous complications.

Fighting dehydration

The greatest danger for the baby is diarrhea and, as a result, dehydration. In order to prevent this from happening, first of all, measures are taken to replenish the supply of fluid and restore salt metabolism. The baby is given to drink a weak solution of salt or rehydron diluted with water. It is taken in small portions, but often, after each bout of vomiting.

Body detoxification

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea are all signs of poisoning the body with the waste products of rotavirus. One of the important elements of treatment for rotavirus infection is detoxification. Frequent intake of rehydron solution not only helps to restore the water-salt balance and maintain metabolism, but is also necessary to remove toxins from the urine.

In order to reduce the toxic effect, the child must also be given sorbents (activated carbon, smecta, enterosgel). They absorb harmful molecules and viruses, while they are not absorbed by the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, but are completely excreted. The intake of sorbents helps to reduce gas formation, bloating.

Reducing fever

An increase in body temperature is the body's way of fighting the virus. Therefore, with viral infections, it is recommended to bring down the temperature only if it exceeds 38 degrees. At higher temperatures, babies may have seizures. Give antipyretic in the form of special children's syrups (nurofen or panadol). For a very small one, it is more convenient to use candles with paracetamol (for example, cefecon).

Relieve intestinal pain

Violation of the normal environment in the stomach and intestines, fermentation and gas formation lead to spasms and severe pain. In addition to sorbents, it is necessary to give a medicine that relaxes the muscles of the intestine and eliminates spasms. No-shpa is usually used.

Restoration of microflora

The treatment ends with the restoration of the intestinal microflora in children. In a healthy intestine, beneficial lactobacilli predominate, which inhibit the development of harmful microorganisms. When the virus enters, lactobacilli die, and harmful microflora begins to multiply. Restoring the natural composition of the intestinal environment accelerates the destruction of the virus.

As preparations containing beneficial bifidobacteria, acipol, linex and the like are used.

The role of diet

Diet, the exclusion from the diet of certain foods that irritate the mucous membrane, cause bloating, or have a diuretic effect that contributes to dehydration, play a decisive role in the treatment of rotavirus infection in children.

Seasonings, milk, fresh vegetables and fruits (cucumbers, tomatoes, plums, apples) should be completely excluded from food. It is allowed to give the child low-fat fermented milk products (the lactic acid contained in them helps replenish the intestines with lactobacilli).

Fats (butter and vegetable oil) are completely excluded. Food is given only in boiled form. By the end of the illness, the child can be given a baked apple, as well as a banana. Any carbonated drinks are prohibited.

After vomiting, it is better to feed the child with semi-liquid cereals, jelly. Enveloping the walls of the intestines, such products protect them from irritation, promote the rapid healing of microdamages. You can give stewed carrots, pumpkin puree.

The main rule, as emphasized by Dr. E. Komarovsky, is not to force the child to eat, especially on the first day when he vomits. A baby in the days of illness can be fed only with mother's milk.

Video: Diet for children of different ages with rotavirus infection

Disease prevention

It is very difficult to avoid rotavirus infection if the child attends kindergarten. If the risk of the disease is increased, as in this case, then the child can be vaccinated. The vaccine contains a strain of rotavirus in a minimal concentration. The baby develops immunity, as well as after a real illness. At the same time, the treatment of rotavirus infection is either not needed at all, or will be greatly simplified. Even if the disease occurs, it will be in a much milder form, without complications.

The likelihood of a child getting sick can be reduced by keeping their hands clean. Before the child sits at the table, he must wash them with soap. It is necessary to ensure that the baby does not grab the potty in the toilet. Toys that he pulls into his mouth must be thoroughly washed.

Viruses and bacteria are found on the surface of fruits and vegetables. Therefore, they must be cleaned from the skin or doused with boiling water after washing.

The room must be clean. If someone in the family has already become ill with rotavirus, one should try to protect the child from contact with the sick person.

Therefore, in order for mothers to feel more prepared, in the article we will talk about how rotavirus infection manifests itself in children, we will also fully reveal the treatment at home.

Description

Rotavirus infection refers to acute intestinal infections. The disease is caused by a pathogen called "rotavirus": hence, in fact, its name.

People at any age can become infected and get sick with this disease, however, more often the malaise affects children aged from six months to five years.

The disease spreads to the area of ​​the nasopharynx and digestive system. If an adult becomes ill with a rotavirus infection, he will “survive” the disease easily, most likely, he will not even have to take sick leave.

But, unfortunately, children suffer from malaise much more difficult.

How the virus is transmitted

Usually, rotavirus is transmitted to children through an infected person, including an adult who is unaware that he is a carrier of the infection.

The virus, once in the child's body, immediately develops "violent activity", begins to multiply actively. At the same time, the first disturbing and unpleasant symptoms of malaise begin to appear.

The peak of "contagiousness" for others falls on the third or fifth day from the onset of the disease. Most often, microbes are transmitted through food or water that the sick person has come into contact with.

In addition, rotavirus can also be transmitted through insufficiently thoroughly washed hands, any household items that an infected person has used.

Rotavirus is not transmitted by airborne droplets. However, this is not a reason to think that a child can calmly talk and communicate with a sick person.

Until now, medical experts have not yet come to a consensus on all ways of transmitting this virus, so it’s better for “every firefighter” to completely limit the contact of a child with a carrier of rotavirus infection.

Think about yourself: it is also important for you not to get an infection from your sick child. If the parents also fall ill, who will then nurse the baby.

Therefore, for safety reasons, use gloves and a mask when caring for a child. In no case do not eat up after him, do not drink from one cup.

Rotavirus - intestinal flu

Symptoms

The incubation period of the disease lasts from one to four days, and the first messengers of the disease make themselves felt half a day or a day after infection.

If the development of the disease moves according to the standard pattern, then the child's temperature jumps sharply after the end of the incubation period. And how long the temperature lasts depends on the age of the child and his immunity.

In addition, the following unpleasant manifestations begin:

The chair at the beginning of the development of infection is characteristic: frothy and watery, very liquid. And after two or three days it turns green, scaring many mothers by this in earnest. Moreover, the child is forced to go to the potty up to ten times a day.

Due to such frequent diarrhea, the baby's body is severely dehydrated. Therefore, it is important to give the child more to drink so that he does not suffer much due to a lack of fluid in the body.

The child refuses to eat, sometimes his appetite completely disappears. And, if you can close your eyes to feeding, then watering a child is a vital necessity.

Sometimes there is another variant of the development of the disease. In this case, the first to appear are not intestinal, but respiratory symptoms. These include:

• sore throat, perspiration;
• runny nose;
• cough - dry and barking;
• sometimes conjunctivitis is possible /

There will also be diarrhea here, however, this symptom will appear later. And, in addition, this type of infection can occur without temperature.

In infants, the manifestations of the disease have their own specifics. What symptoms in this case will help parents recognize the disease:

• heat;
• lethargy and drowsiness of the child;
• crying for no external reason;
• refusal of the child to breast or bottle;
• growling in the baby's stomach. In addition, the tummy looks swollen and tense.

Later, diarrhea begins, possibly along with vomiting. Infants experience rotavirus infection even harder than older children, since dehydration in this case occurs at a very rapid pace.

If your baby has similar symptoms, call a doctor urgently: the baby needs qualified help. And before the arrival of the doctors, give the child water in all possible ways: even from a bottle, even from a pipette, even pouring liquid into his mouth with a syringe without a needle.

If you want to know how long a rotavirus infection lasts in children, we hasten to please you: with treatment started on time and therapy under the supervision of specialists, the disease goes away quite quickly: usually four to seven days are enough.

But there can be complications, which in most cases are caused by severe dehydration.

Important information: if a child has been ill with this type of intestinal infection, he acquires stable immunity to it for the rest of his life.

And if you are thinking whether it is possible to walk with a child with a rotavirus infection, then we hasten to assure you that pediatricians allow you to briefly take the child out into the fresh air, but only if he feels fine and there is no temperature.

Complications

Dehydration is dangerous because it can lead to severe damage to the child's nervous system. As a result of this lesion, the child may experience convulsions, which sometimes even lead to respiratory arrest.

In addition, dehydration disrupts the normal functioning of the lungs. Often this complication ends with pneumonia.

In medical practice, it has repeatedly happened that the child did not really drink when diarrhea began. And then, when the parents nevertheless called an ambulance, the baby developed pneumonia in the hospital.

Treatment

We will find out what medicines, methods and means are included in standard therapy for rotavirus infection in children: we will understand in detail how to treat and how to treat this unpleasant infection.

The traditionally used course of treatment includes the following areas:

• rehydration;
• special diet;
• elimination of intoxication;
• relief of symptoms of the disease.

And how long the disease is treated depends, first of all, on the timeliness of the start of therapy, the immunity of the child, and the strict observance of all the recommendations of doctors.

Consider the stages of treatment in more detail.

Rehydration

This method of therapy is aimed at compensating the body of the child for the fluid he has lost. This is done to avoid dangerous dehydration.

When a mother gives her baby water or other liquid to drink, this is exactly rehydration at home.

This type of therapy is the main one for rotavirus infection. He is also the first aid for this disease. Doctors recommend giving the child a little to drink at home so that there is no problem later on how to stop vomiting after a copious dose of liquid.

The ideal schedule for watering a child with acute rotavirus infection: every five to ten minutes, a teaspoon / dessert spoon. At the same time, carefully monitor the child's condition: if he does not have the urge to vomit, it is permissible to increase the single dose of the injected liquid.

Also suitable for:

• still mineral water;
• unsweetened low-concentrated dried fruit compote;
• rice water to help strengthen the stomach.

Caution: If you vomit too often, or you can't get your baby to drink in any way, it's best to go to the hospital to avoid possible dangerous complications. On an outpatient basis, the baby will be able to give an intravenous infusion of fluid.

Removal of intoxication

In order to remove a harmful virus and toxins from the child's body, the following drugs can be used at home:

In case of an overdose, these drugs are quite capable of leading to constipation, which is no less unpleasant than diarrhea.

Antipyretic

As already mentioned, high temperatures do not always occur in children. However, if this symptom has arisen, and the temperature has exceeded 38 degrees, the child can be given remedies such as:

These drugs should be administered to the child's body, again according to the medical recommendation, and the instructions attached to the medicine.

Try not to overdo it with antipyretics, strictly monitor compliance with the age dosage of drugs.

Rotavirus - School of Dr. Komarovsky

Other treatments

With rotavirus infection, antibiotics are not treated, since this type of therapy is aimed at eliminating bacterial infections.

To make sure that the child has a rotavirus infection, and not some kind of bacterial ailment, purchase a rapid rota test and do it at home.

Attention: antibiotics are also prescribed for the viral nature of the disease, but only if spotting is visible in the child's feces. In this case, the antibacterial drug Furazolidone can help.

Diarrhea medications are not prescribed. In this case, diarrhea is a defensive reaction of the body that helps to get rid of toxins faster. The main thing is to promptly replace the lost fluid with frequent watering of the baby.

If a child complains of severe pain and discomfort in the abdomen, you can give him No-shpu or Riabal.

Antiviral drugs are an essential component of complex therapy for this type of infection. Children are recommended safe means based on interferon: for example, Viferon or Cycloferon.

You can also use such a powerful antiviral as Arbidol, but only after agreement with the doctor.

Most often, children's therapy for rotavirus includes the intake of probiotics, since the natural microflora of the digestive tract is always suppressed in this disease.

Diet

Find out how to feed a child with rotavirus infection.

It is important to know that rotavirus infection provokes lactose intolerance, so many familiar foods should be excluded from the child's diet. These products include all dairy and sour-milk dishes.

In addition, prohibited:

• fried and fatty;
• meat, including meat broths;
• various sweets and muffins;
• sweet fruits and soda.

What can you eat, you ask. A logical question, so now we will tell you which diet will help with rotavirus infection in children.

1. Kashi: especially rice and buckwheat - a wonderful way to strengthen the stomach, and at the same time give the body strength.
2. Crackers are also a proven "fixer" for diarrhea. The same function can be performed by dry lingering cookies like Masha or biscuits.
3. Vegetable and mashed potatoes are soft pureed dishes that do not irritate a sick stomach.
4. Kissel.
5. Soup with vegetable broth.
6. Oven-baked apples can temporarily serve as a dessert. And the pectin contained in them will help the child cope with the disease faster.

Keep in mind that with the baby's appetite in the first three days of illness, there may be big problems. If a child refuses to eat at all these days, you should not force him to feed, but do not forget to drink.

If the infection has occurred in a breastfed infant, then it is best to reduce the number of feedings while he is fighting the disease.

And in the event that a child in infancy is bottle-fed, it is necessary to urgently replace mixtures with milk content with lactose-free ones.

Folk methods of treatment

Without a doubt, the main therapy for rotavirus infection should be traditional medication, however, our ancestors have created many interesting recipes and recommendations that can also be used in the treatment of a child.

Before using any of the home alternative methods of treatment, be sure to first consult with your pediatrician.

Dried blueberry compote will help to disinfect the child's digestive tract and relieve the symptoms of inflammation. In addition, this tool perfectly removes toxins from the body.

Dill water safely and gently helps with baby bloating and flatulence. It is approved for use in infants. Dill water is prepared as follows: pour a teaspoon of dry grass with a glass of boiling water, and then insist for an hour under a closed lid.

After the product has cooled down, it must be filtered, and then given to children from two years old for half a glass, and for infants - a tablespoon every two hours.

A decoction of raspberry leaves helps to relieve high fever. In addition, this tool has a mild astringent properties, which will help to cope with indigestion. The same characteristics are inherent in raspberry juice.

Prevention

What measures to prevent rotavirus infection in children will help to avoid infection.

Firstly, vaccination against this disease is now widely used. This vaccine is given to babies in their first six months of life and is a weakened strain of rotavirus. After vaccination, the child acquires a strong immunity to the disease, exactly the same as if he had been ill.

As you can see, home treatment of a rotavirus infection in a child is, of course, troublesome, but necessary and, with a timely response, not so long.

These materials will be of interest to you:

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Rotavirus infection in children

This disease causes inflammation in the upper respiratory tract and digestive organs. A child can become infected with a rotavirus infection for various reasons, and an adult can also get sick from it. However, in children, the disease is much more complicated than in parents.

What is rotavirus infection in a child

This disease in children is provoked by pathogenic viruses that affect the gastrointestinal tract of the patient. The acute form is characterized by the development of fever, the appearance of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever. The diagnosis of intestinal flu (or rotavirus infection in children) is made on the basis of a whole range of laboratory tests and epidemiological data.

The therapeutic process for this disease includes:

Rotavirus in a child is a disease that belongs to the group of viral diarrhea. Theoretically, a person of any age can become infected with it, but in children this disease is recorded more often. Rotavirus infection in children is dealt with by gastroenterologists, pediatricians or pediatric infectious disease specialists. The susceptibility of babies to this virus is very high. In the first five years of their lives, every child gets the flu, sometimes multiple times. In most cases, the infection develops in infants between 3 months and 2 years of age.

Babies (up to three months) develop passive immunity to viruses. However, for this, the baby must be breastfed. Otherwise, even a tiny baby can get sick. Relapses do not recur until 6-12 months after the child has had rotavirus. When re-infected, the symptoms are tolerated by children much more easily.

Causes of the disease

Rotavirus infection in children can be transmitted from other flu patients or carriers. When you notice the first signs of illness in your child, he becomes contagious. On the 5th day after the disease, rotavirus is especially dangerous for others. It is easily transmitted by airborne droplets, through dirty hands, toys, door handles, and more. It is easy to get the stomach flu through food that the patient has come into contact with. If you drink unboiled water, there is also a chance of infection, because even chlorine does not kill intestinal flu pathogens.

First signs and symptoms

After contact with a carrier of the virus, signs of rotavirus infection in children develop within hours (the period depends on the body's ability to retain the virus). There are several different options for the development of intestinal flu. In the first case, the baby complains about:

In the second case, the following symptoms can be detected:

Another variant of the course of the disease is typical for young children:

• the child is lethargic or, conversely, capricious;
• refuses to eat;
• pulls her legs up to her stomach.

Incubation period of rotavirus infection

After infection, a rotavirus infection lives in the body for several days, and it passes into an acute form later. How long the incubation period lasts in children depends on the characteristics of the body. usually it is 1-5 days. At this time, the virus particles actively multiply and accumulate. Sick children may not complain and feel normal. However, by the end of the incubation period, weakness, nausea, diarrhea and a temperature of 38 in the child will appear.

To avoid complications and speed up recovery, parents can start treating their children's rotavirus infection at this stage. To do this, it is worth strengthening nutrition, giving vitamins and minerals to a sick baby. However, it is worth noting that this period for parents may go unnoticed due to the absence of symptoms, so preventive measures will not be superfluous if there is an outbreak of intestinal flu in kindergarten or a healthy baby had contact with infected children.

How and how to treat rotavirus in children

There is no specific treatment for intestinal flu. Therapy is aimed at eliminating the symptoms. The diet for rotavirus infection is very important, because the baby needs strength to fight the disease. In addition, the doctor will prescribe medications: antispasmodics, immunotropic, antipyretic. It is very important to take children's antibiotics to destroy the virus particles.

How to treat rotavirus infection:

1. Antibacterial suppositories are prescribed: Viferon or Lipferon. The dose should be calculated taking into account the age of the patient, the course of admission is from 5 days.
2. Fighting dehydration or rehydration. The patient is provided with a plentiful warm drink, which can replenish the lost fluid and maintain the normal functioning of the kidneys. Begin to give liquid with a teaspoon, gradually increasing the volume. For this, special solutions (Oralit, Regidron, Humana), chamomile broth, boiled water, rice broth, unsweetened dried fruit compote are suitable.
3. To cleanse the body of toxins, take White Coal or Smecta.
4. To reduce body temperature, you can take Nurofen syrup, children's paracetamol or Cefekon suppositories.
5. It is recommended to wipe a sick baby with a solution of table salt (for 1 part of water, 1 part of salt). This will protect him from convulsions against the background of high body temperature.
6. If the baby has a stomach ache, then they give No-shpu, the probiotic Lacidophil, Riobal.

What to feed a child with rotavirus infection:

• rice porridge;
• mashed potatoes;
• bananas;
• cracker, bagels;
• infants are switched to lactose-free formulas;
• exclude dairy products, sauces, fried, fatty, vegetable and meat additives.

Possible complications and consequences

Intestinal flu with improper treatment leads to many complications:

1. Dehydration, which can be fatal. To prevent this, you need to start desoldering the baby in a timely manner or go to the hospital, where they will prescribe a dropper.
2. Acetonemic state of the baby. At the same time, ketone bodies accumulate in the patient's body, which negatively affect the brain. This complication provokes a lack of carbohydrates that are consumed in the course of the disease.
3. Convulsions can develop on the basis of high temperature. To prevent them, the baby's body is constantly cooled, rubbed with saline.

Prevention of rotavirus

To avoid infection with rotavirus infection, it is recommended to follow the rules of hygiene. In addition, you need to feed the younger members of the family only with fresh, cooked foods. Humidify the air in the children's room, constantly ventilate the rooms in the house. If someone in the family catches a cold, then limit the contact of the baby with him. There are flu shots that are given only on request (not included in the vaccination plan). This method is especially effective for babies under 2 years old.

Video: how the stomach flu is transmitted and proceeds in children - Komarovsky

The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials of the article do not call for self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give recommendations for treatment based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

Rotavirus infection in children: signs, symptoms, treatment

When a rotavirus infection is detected, transmitted through contaminated food or by household contact, the expression “dirty hands disease” is used in medical slang. At the same time, it should be noted that the standard of living, the civilized society, careful observance of hygienic measures and living conditions do not play a special role in the formation of the risk of morbidity, that is, every child suffers from an intestinal infection at least once in his life, regardless of care and social status.

What is rotavirus infection?

Rotavirus infection (intestinal flu, rotavirus gastroenteritis) is an infectious pathology of the digestive tract, accompanied by symptoms of general intoxication and dehydration (dehydration) of the body. This disease is typical for all age groups, but children from six months to 3 years are more likely to be infected.

According to statistics, in recent years, the incidence of rotavirus infection among young children has increased significantly (up to 60%). According to experts, the reason for this phenomenon lies not only in the increase in the absolute number of diseases associated with the deterioration of sanitation and hygiene, but also in the expansion of laboratory diagnostics.

Every year, 440 thousand children become victims of rotavirus infection, dying from diarrhea around the world. The most vulnerable are babies from one to three years. This is due to the fact that at this age in the child's body there are no antibodies to rotavirus. Up to a year, maternal antibodies are transmitted to children along with breast milk. At the same time, formula-fed babies have a high chance of getting sick.

Clinical forms of the disease:

1. Gastroenteric (gastrointestinal).
2. Enteric (intestinal).

Causes of rotavirus infection

The causative agent of the intestinal infection is rotavirus from the reovirus family. The RNA-containing virus got its name (rota in Latin means wheel) because of its resemblance to a small bicycle wheel with a wide hub, bushing, well-defined rim and spokes. The diameter of viral particles can vary within nm. According to antigenic properties, rotaviruses are divided into 9 serological types. Infectious for humans is 1-4, as well as types 8 and 9 of the virus.

The causative agent has an outer and inner protein shell (capsids). Virions lacking an outer capsid, which are often isolated from the faeces of sick people, do not have infectious activity. The rotavirus genome is presented as a double-stranded RNA consisting of 11 fragments.

The virus is capable of maintaining its viability on environmental objects for several months, tolerates the effects of ether and acids, is relatively resistant to disinfectants, and quickly dies when heated.

Rotavirus infection most often occurs in the winter-spring period. At the same time, sporadic outbreaks of the disease can be recorded throughout the year.

The mechanism of the development of the disease

The source of the disease is a person with an acute form of a manifest infection, or a virus carrier that releases the pathogen into the external environment along with feces. The highest concentration of virions in the feces is recorded in the first 3-5 days of the disease. It is this period that is considered the most dangerous in epidemiological terms. Often, the source of infection for young children is their own mothers infected with rotavirus. At an older age, infection occurs in children's groups.

After entering the body, the causative agent of intestinal infection is introduced into the epitheliocytes of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, most often in the epithelial layer of the small intestine. Having penetrated into the cell, rotavirus contributes to damage and rejection of its villi. This, in turn, leads to desquamation of mature cells of the intestinal epithelium and their replacement with functionally unformed morphological structures that are unable to synthesize digestive enzymes and carry out the processes of digestion and absorption. Thus, the causative agent of rotavirus infection does not cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, but causes a violation of the digestive function. Due to insufficient production of digestive enzymes (maltase, lactase and invertase), undigested sugars accumulate in the intestine. This condition leads to excessive intake of water and electrolytes into the lumen of the small intestine and the development of secretory diarrhea (watery diarrhea that causes dehydration).

The mechanism of transmission of infection:

• fecal-oral;
• food;
• Water;
• Contact household.
• Airborne (in rare cases).

Symptoms of rotavirus infection in children

Rotavirus infection is a disease that has a cyclic course. The duration of the incubation period is 1-4 days (usually 12 hours or a day). Usually the disease begins acutely, with an increase in body temperature to C. There is a strong rumbling and pain in the abdomen, profuse fetid watery stools (up to 20 times a day) and repeated or repeated vomiting, starting from the very first hours of the disease, even if the stomach is empty or after consuming a little more than 50 ml of liquid. After eating, undigested food pieces are found in the vomit. Often the volume of vomit exceeds the amount of food and water received by the child. It is quite difficult to reduce body temperature with rotavirus infection and it can stay at around 39 C for 5-6 days. In infants with the development of the disease, there is a strong rumbling in the abdomen, rapid weight loss, lethargy and drowsiness.

As the pathological process progresses, exsicosis (dehydration of the body) develops due to the loss of a large amount of fluid. The clinical manifestations of this condition depend on the severity of the disease. For mild and moderate course, pallor of the skin, weakness and thirst (I-II degree of dehydration) are characteristic. In a severe form of rotavirus infection, diuresis decreases, acrocyanosis develops, the voice becomes hoarse, involuntary contraction of the muscles of the limbs (dehydration of the III degree) is possible.

Exicosis is observed in % of hospitalized children, however, in 95% of cases it occurs in mild to moderate degree, and only in 5% of cases there is severe dehydration with decompensated metabolic acidosis.

The following signs signal the development of dehydration: constant thirst, sunken eyes and a large fontanel, dry skin, sclera and mucous membranes. The skin becomes earthy-gray, the lips become bright and dry, the skin turgor decreases, and the amount of urine decreases. The most dangerous condition is the stage of dehydration, in which thirst is replaced by a complete refusal to drink.

In some cases, the disease can proceed in a subacute form. In this situation, the child becomes lethargic and capricious, his appetite decreases, fatigue increases, general weakness develops, headache, discomfort and rumbling in the abdomen occur, and moderately pronounced catarrhal phenomena are observed (itchiness in the goal, hyperemia of the pharynx, nasal congestion, mild cough and swollen cervical lymph nodes). This state can last 3-4 days. Often, signs of a subacute course of rotavirus infection are mistaken by pediatricians for acute respiratory infections or SARS.

The most characteristic difference between diarrhea caused by rotavirus and dysentery or salmonellosis is the absence of mucus, greenery and blood impurities in the feces, as well as the absence of tenesmus (excruciating false urge to defecate). In very young children, the stool may become discolored without changing its consistency. The average duration of diarrhea is 5-6 days. In the first 2-3 days, the stool is watery, and then becomes clay-like, with a characteristic gray-yellow color. Catarrhal phenomena pass in 3-4 days. As a rule, after the body develops antibodies against the virus, the disease ends in self-healing.

If blood impurities are found in the feces, this indicates the addition of a bacterial infection (escherichiosis, shigellosis, campylobacteriosis). These children have more pronounced symptoms of general intoxication. As for the catarrhal signs of rotavirus infection, many experts also consider them to be the result of a layering of a secondary bacterial infection.

Specific immunity to rotavirus, due to secretory and humoral antibodies, is formed in early childhood, after the illness. It should be noted that immunity is unstable, and with a low level of antibodies in adulthood, a relapse of the disease is possible.

Complications of rotavirus infection

• Hemodynamic disorders;
• Acute renal failure;
• Infectious-toxic kidney;
• Gasser's syndrome;
• Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis;
• Necrotizing enterocolitis.

Diagnostic features of rotavirus infection in children

1. This disease is characterized by autumn-winter seasonality, high contagiousness (contagiousness), epidemic or sporadic outbreaks. Rotavirus infection mainly affects young children (from one to three years).
2. Distinctive features: acute onset, fever, vomiting and secretory diarrhea.
3. From the first day of the disease, a typical combination of respiratory and gastroenteritis scatological syndrome is observed.
4. The absence of mucus, blood and greenery in the feces.
5. The absence of "finds" during the usual bacteriological examination of the intestinal group of microorganisms.

Laboratory diagnosis of rotavirus infection

1. Virological examination of feces (electron or immunoelectron microscopy of biomaterial in order to detect rotavirus or viral antigen) and isolation of the virus in cell cultures.
2. Serological examination (detection of rotavirus antigen by ELISA, RN, RSK, RNGA, latex agglutination).

If the presence of a mixed infection is suspected and dubious results of serological and virological studies are obtained, retroromanoscopy with aspiration biopsy of the colonic mucosa can be used as an additional diagnostic technique (this study is performed in especially severe cases).

What diseases can be confused with?

Rotavirus infection should be differentiated from dysentery, gastrointestinal forms of salmonellosis, cholera, yersiniosis, and protozoan intestinal invasions.

Treatment of rotavirus infection

The main goal of anti-rotavirus therapy is to combat intoxication and dehydration of the body, as well as disorders of the cardiovascular and excretory system associated with the disease. Hospitalization is carried out according to clinical indications. With a mild and moderate form of rotavirus infection, a child can be treated at home. Before proceeding with the effective elimination of symptoms, it is necessary to establish the degree of dehydration of the body. With I-II degree of dehydration, the patient is given oral dehydration therapy, which involves the use of drugs that restore the water-salt composition of the blood (rehydron, gluxonal, etc.). The child is regularly given small doses of the solution for 13 days until the stool is completely normalized.

With the development of III degree of dehydration, the use of combined oral and parenteral rehydration therapy is recommended. For intravenous administration (stream or drip), acesol, quartasol, trisol are used. In especially severe cases, the child is prescribed rheosorbilact, polyglucin, hemodez and other macrodextrants.

In the acute period, for the accelerated normalization of stools and the removal of the virus from the body, astringent and adsorbing substances are used (carbolene, polyphepan, smecta, enterosgel, etc.). These drugs should also be given to the child for three days, in accordance with the instructions.

Due to the fact that many children suffering from rotavirus gastroenteritis develop intestinal dysbacteriosis, it is recommended to use biological preparations containing lactobacilli (lactobacterin, acilact, etc.) in complex therapy. They are able in the course of their metabolism to produce substances with antibiotic activity and replace lactase.

To increase the concentration of antibodies to pathogens of intestinal infections, anti-rotavirus immunoglobulin or complex immunoglobulin preparations for enteral use are indicated. These funds significantly reduce the time of intoxication and diarrhea.

Immunoglobulin preparations are allowed to be used only with the permission of the attending physician!

After a decrease in body temperature and the cessation of vomiting and diarrhea for 10 days, the child should be given enzyme preparations that help normalize digestion and optimal absorption of food. Most often, pancreatin, festal, mezim-forte, creon, etc. are prescribed.

What drugs should not be used in the treatment of rotavirus infection in children?

Antidiarrheals. Rotavirus "exits" the body with feces. Therefore, treatment should not be aimed at eliminating the symptoms of diarrhea, but at alleviating the child's condition and reducing the number of urges to defecate.

Antibiotics. Antibacterial drugs are not able to act on viral particles, and their use leads to the development of dysbacteriosis and deterioration of food digestion processes.

Diet in the treatment of rotavirus infection

In the treatment of intestinal infections that provoke the development of fermentopathy, special attention is paid to the diet. Since during the development of the pathological process, the activity of a number of digestive enzymes, in particular lactase, is disrupted, in the acute period of the disease, whole milk and dairy products should be excluded from the child's diet and the intake of foods rich in carbohydrates (sweet fruits, fruit juices, pastries, legumes) should be limited. culture). Also, in the acute period of the disease, it is not allowed to feed children with meat, broths, meat products, fatty and fried foods. Food is given to a sick child often, in small portions. The list of allowed products includes mucous porridges, vegetable purees and soups, white crackers and baked apples.

Breastfeeding in the presence of an intestinal infection is not stopped, since breast milk contains antibodies that neutralize rotavirus and immunoglobulins that facilitate the course of the disease.

It is very important in the treatment of rotavirus infection to observe the correct drinking regimen. With profuse vomiting and severe diarrhea, the child's body requires constant replenishment of the lost fluid. Drink slowly, in small sips, with breaks of 5-10 minutes. After each attack of vomiting, an infant should be given 50 ml of liquid, at an older age - poml. With significant dehydration, the drinking regimen should be prescribed by the attending physician.

As a drink, mineral water without gas, tea or water with lemon, cranberry juice, chamomile decoction, as well as special saline solutions are used.