Abstract
Rotaviruses are the most common cause of severe nonbacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. The condition is characterized by severe dehydration and often requires hospitalization and parenteral rehydration.
Children between 6 and 23 months of age are the most afflicted population group and practically all children under 5 years of age become infected. Rotaviruses are highly contagious and resistant to commonly used disinfectants and can survive on hands and surfaces for relatively long periods of time.
The infectious dose is very low and therefore rotaviruses are commonly implicated in hospital infections. The prevention is based primarily on thorough hygiene , hand washing, disinfection and since recently also vaccination.
Two rotavirus vaccines are currently available, monovalent and pentavalent. Both vaccines are live, safe, given in two or three oral doses at the early infant age and have been recommended for global immunization in the EU.