What is rotavirus infection symptoms. Rotavirus infection in adults - symptoms and treatment. How many days is rotavirus infection contagious for adults in contact with a sick person

What is poisoning, probably, every person without exception knows. As a rule, under this term people mean a variety of intestinal diseases. And often people do not consider it necessary to take any measures, however, if there is a rotavirus infection in adults, treatment should be started as early as possible. Otherwise, the risk of developing certain complications is very high.

To begin with, let's try to figure out - what is a rotavirus infection, and why is it so dangerous. Doctors call that infectious intestinal disease, the cause of which is rotavirus. After penetration into the body, five to seven days pass, after which the first signs of the disease appear. However, in some cases, the incubation period can vary from three to ten days.

And throughout this time, a person poses a potential danger to others, as it can become a source of infection. But after a full recovery, most often an adult develops a strong immunity to the virus that caused the disease.

Ways of infection with this infection

Doctors distinguish mainly the food way of infection - when the virus enters the body through the oral cavity. This can happen when eating unwashed foods, or from dirty hands. Most often, rotaviruses enter the human body with dairy products. This is due to the specifics of their manufacturing technology.

Moreover, these same viruses are very, very persistent - neither low temperatures (storage in the refrigerator) nor chlorination of water cause them practically no harm. By the way, pay attention to the fact that very often infection occurs when drinking “holy” water. You shouldn't risk your health.

There is also another way of transmitting the infection - drip, when a sick person sneezes. And this is no coincidence - after all, rotaviruses also lead to inflammatory processes affecting the upper respiratory tract. At first glance, it may seem that a person is sick with an acute respiratory disease. And only an upset stomach makes doctors suspect the presence of a rotavirus infection.

This type of infection can occur as isolated cases of the disease, as well as real epidemic outbreaks. Moreover, these outbreaks, just like ordinary acute respiratory diseases, have a pronounced seasonal dependence. As a rule, approximately 90% of all cases of rotavirus infection occur precisely in the cold season - from November to April.

Symptoms of rotavirus infection

Once in the body, the virus is introduced into the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. As a rule, the mucous membrane of the small intestine is most affected. Due to the fact that rotavirus begins to actively multiply, the gastrointestinal tract is affected, characterized by inflammation of the intestinal mucosa - enteritis develops. This is what causes diarrhea.

This disease has characteristic symptoms that allow it to be accurately diagnosed:

• Decreased appetite. As a rule, a sick person almost completely loses his appetite and refuses to eat. However, oddly enough, no feeling of nausea, let alone vomiting, is observed. However, it is still necessary to take liquid - in very small portions, but as often as possible. Otherwise, dehydration may develop.
• Increase in body temperature. In a sick person, the body temperature rises, but slightly - up to about 38 degrees. Although, of course, in some cases the temperature can rise even higher, but not for long. On average, elevated body temperature lasts two to three days, after which it normalizes on its own.
• Liquid stool. An indispensable symptom of rotavirus infection is loose stools. Its intensity can be very different - it all depends on the individual characteristics of the body of each individual person. The duration of indigestion can last from one to three days, provided adequate treatment is started in a timely manner.

Treatment of rotavirus infection

In the event that rotavirus infection proceeds without complications, the patient receives treatment at home. However, in this case, it is important to know exactly how to help a sick person:

• Decrease in body temperature

As mentioned above, with a rotavirus infection in a sick person, the body temperature rises. Very often, people immediately take various antipyretics, it is worth the thermometer to exceed the mark of 37 degrees. However, in no case should you do this - after all, rotavirus dies only at temperatures above 38 degrees. By lowering temperatures earlier, you will only “make life easier” for rotaviruses, allowing them to continue to multiply.

In the same case, if the body temperature rises above 39 degrees, measures can be taken to reduce it. Moreover, it is not necessary to immediately take pharmacological preparations. Often simple proven folk ways reduce body temperature no worse, but do not exert a load on the body.

In the event that you have vodka in your house, try using the following method. Dilute five tablespoons of vodka in one liter of cold water. Wipe the entire surface of the skin with a soft cloth, Special attention giving palms and feet. You can repeat the rubdown as often as necessary - there will be no harm. As a rule, one rubdown lowers the temperature by one degree.

If this measure does not help - which is unlikely - you can take any antipyretic. However, pay attention - in no case is it unacceptable to exceed the dosage. In the same case, if this measure does not help, it is necessary to call an ambulance brigade. But in practice, such cases of high temperature are extremely rare.

• loose stool

In order to eliminate the symptoms of gastrointestinal upset, you can take Enterofuril. It must be taken at least twice a day, in the dosage indicated on the package. The course of treatment should last at least five days, even if all the symptoms of the disease disappear earlier.

However, before using it, you should still seek the advice of a doctor. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe some other drug, based on the condition and well-being of the sick person. Most often, stopping diarrhea is not so difficult. Of course, in most cases, diarrhea stops on its own. However, it is still worth being safe - the medicine is guaranteed to prevent prolonged diarrhea.

• Pain in the abdomen

Often, during an illness, a sick person may experience pain in the intestines. And this pain can wear the most different character- from sharp cramping to pulling. This pain occurs due to spasms of the muscles of the intestine, or from an excessive amount of gases. By the way, flatulence is a fairly frequent companion of rotavirus infections. In this case, a sick person can drink one tablet but - shpa - most often this measure is enough to completely stop the pain.

However, be sure to remember that abdominal pain can only be tolerated if the diagnosis is reliably known. The same applies to taking any painkillers. In all other cases, a person experiencing pain in the abdomen, a sick person should seek medical help as soon as possible. This measure is necessary in order to exclude the possibility of other, more serious diseases - including acute appendicitis.

• Restoration of intestinal microflora

After the sick person has an appetite and diarrhea stops, it is necessary to begin a course of treatment aimed at restoring the normal intestinal microflora. As a rule, for this, a sick person is prescribed drugs such as Linex. The dosage and duration of treatment in each individual case is determined by the doctor.

As you can see, if there is a rotavirus infection, treatment in adults is not so difficult. However, only if you start it in a timely manner, you can count on the fact that you can get rid of the disease as soon as possible. Otherwise, as mentioned above, the risk of developing various complications is very high.

Complications of rotavirus infection

In the event that the treatment of rotavirus infection was not started in a timely manner, or the diseased person has a significantly reduced immunity, a complicated course of the disease may develop. In order to avoid this, it is worth knowing about them and knowing how to act in such situations.

In the event that a sick person has severe diarrhea or vomiting, the main danger that can lie in wait for him is dehydration. In order to avoid this, you need to drink as much as possible. Moreover, the higher the body temperature and the more intense the diarrhea, the greater the volume of liquid should be drunk. On average, an adult during the period of illness needs to drink at least three liters of fluid. For drinking, a sick person should give preference to non-carbonated drinking water, fruit drinks, or rosehip broth.

In the event that a sick person vomits, it is worth trying to take the liquid in several sips, after a short period of time. If vomiting continues, most often a sick person is hospitalized in a hospital in the infectious diseases department, where the liquid will be administered intravenously using droppers. In no case is it unacceptable to refuse this - because otherwise even death is possible, which can occur due to severe dehydration of the body.

In addition, in the absence of adequate and timely treatment of rotavirus infection, the risk of developing a bacterial intestinal infection is very high. In this situation, the course of the disease worsens tenfold. In such cases, death occurs in about 3%. And it is not so difficult to completely exclude this pathology - it is enough just to start treatment of rotavirus infection in a timely manner.

This disease does not entail any long-term consequences and complications, so there is nothing to worry about. It has already been said above that most often, after an infection, a strong immunity is developed in an adult. However, we must not forget that there are several different viruses, so there is no guarantee that you will never get sick with rotavirus infection again. But you can reduce this risk by observing elementary security measures.

Prevention of rotavirus infection

In order to protect yourself as much as possible from the possibility of infection with rotavirus, there are several preventive measures:

• Quality and pure products

In order to avoid infection with rotavirus, it is necessary to carefully monitor the quality and purity of the products used. You should not assume that it is enough just to rub an apple before drinking, and spring water is crystal clear by default. We must also not forget about the elementary rules of hygiene - remember that the rule that says to wash your hands before eating is also true for adults.

• Vaccination

V Lately doctors began to advise vaccination against rotavirus infection. However, this method of prevention is very controversial - firstly, there is no guarantee that the vaccine works in 100% of cases, since it was started to be done relatively recently. Secondly, the cost of this vaccine is unreasonably high, and it is not so easy to find a clinic where this very vaccine is available.

In any case, if you suddenly get sick with a rotavirus infection, you should not panic - it is quite simple to cure it. The main thing is to start on time.

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, the child also has others: appetite disappears, headache. 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 important elements 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

Avoiding exposure to rotavirus if the child attends Kindergarten, very difficult. 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.

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Expert advice is required!

What is rotavirus intestinal infection ( intestinal flu)?

Rotavirus infection is an infectious bowel disease caused by specific viruses ( rotaviruses) and manifested by diarrhea ( diarrhea), vomiting, general dehydration and other characteristic signs.

Previously, this disease was also called intestinal flu, although rotavirus has nothing to do with the influenza virus. The fact is that the peak incidence of rotavirus infection occurs in the cold season ( that is, for the autumn-winter period), when a large number of people also suffer from colds, including the flu.
As a result, in many people with influenza, after infection with rotavirus, symptoms of intestinal damage also began to appear, which was the reason for the similar name of the pathology.

Epidemiology ( incidence of rotavirus infection)

Rotavirus infection mainly affects children. early age (both boys and girls under the age of 3), while among older children and the adult population, this disease is less common. This is explained by the fact that after an illness, a relatively stable immunity is formed in a child, which prevents the development of the disease in the future. At the same time, it should be noted that according to recent studies, almost all children before the age of three have rotavirus infection at least 1-2 times.

The causes of the spread of rotavirus infection among children can be:

• Weakness of the immune system. Immunity ( body's ability to resist infections) of a newborn and a child of the first three years of life is not yet fully formed and cannot provide full protection, and therefore the risk of infection with various viruses increases.
• Anatomical structure of the intestinal mucosa. As a result of laboratory studies, it was found that rotavirus ( infectious agent) is easily attached to the cells of the mucous membrane of the small intestine of the child. At the same time, it attaches very poorly to the mucous membrane of the small intestine of an adult, which reduces the risk of infection.

It is worth noting that the risk of infection and the development of the disease is also increased in older people, due to the weakening of their immunity and the inability of their body to adequately fight viral infections.

The peak incidence, as well as the development of epidemics, falls on the cold season ( October to April), while in summer months rotavirus infection is extremely rare. This is due to the properties of rotavirus, which survives very poorly in heat, but can exist for quite a long time at low temperatures.

Etiology, causative agent, ways of transmission and infection ( How is rotavirus transmitted from person to person?)

As already mentioned, the causative agent of infection is rotavirus, which is excreted from the body of a sick person along with feces from the first days of the disease, and also within a few days after the disappearance of clinical symptoms ( diarrhea). It is also worth noting that the source of the virus can be not only the patient ( that is, a person who has obvious signs of the disease), but also an asymptomatic carrier of the infection. The carrier does not have any gastrointestinal symptoms, but virus particles are also shed in his feces.

The main route of transmission of the virus from a sick person to a healthy person is fecal-oral. Its essence is as follows. After entering the human body, the virus enters the cells of the intestinal mucosa, starting to multiply actively in them. In the future, these cells are separated from the mucous membrane and, together with feces, are excreted from the human body. At the same time, the viral particles in them retain their viability.

If in the future a healthy person comes into contact with any objects contaminated with the feces of the patient ( it can be soil, poorly treated toilet surfaces, toilet door handles, towels, unwashed hands of a sick person, and so on.), viral particles can get on the skin of his hands. If after that a person takes any food with unwashed hands ( or just put your fingers in your mouth, which is common in young children), viral particles will enter his gastrointestinal tract. After passing through the stomach and reaching the intestines, they are reactivated and penetrate into the cells of its mucous membrane, causing their damage and the development of the clinical picture of rotavirus infection.

Is rotavirus infection contagious in animals?

Animals and humans are affected by different subspecies of rotaviruses, and therefore animal viruses are usually not dangerous to humans. However, there are documented cases of people who have been in contact with sick animals developing rotavirus infection.

It is assumed that the interaction of animal rotavirus with human rotavirus ( for example, being an asymptomatic carrier of an infection) in the "human" virus, certain changes can occur, as a result of which it can be activated and cause a clinical picture of the disease. However, to date, scientists do not exclude the possibility of direct human infection with animal rotaviruses.

Is rotavirus transmitted by airborne droplets?

To date, scientists have not been able to unambiguously determine whether rotavirus is able to infect the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and be transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person along with the inhaled air ( i.e. airborne).

On the one hand, in many children before the onset of diarrhea ( diarrhea) caused by rotavirus, there are signs of damage to the upper respiratory tract. Moreover, even after the onset of symptoms of rotavirus infection, these children do not develop either a cold or flu. This may suggest that rotavirus initially infects the respiratory mucosa, and then enters the intestine and infects the cells of its mucosa.

At the same time, it is worth noting that as a result of many laboratory studies, scientists have not been able to isolate viral particles from the cells of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. At the same time, rotaviruses are detected in the cells of the intestinal mucosa in almost 100% of cases of infection.

pathogenesis ( development mechanism)

To understand the mechanism of damage to the body and the development of symptoms of rotavirus infection, certain knowledge about the structure and functioning of the intestine is necessary.

Under normal conditions, the intestinal mucosa consists of so-called villi - outgrowths that protrude into the intestinal lumen. The villi are covered with epithelial cells ( mucosal cells), which provide digestion and absorption of nutrients from the intestines into the blood. It should be noted that only “mature” ( differentiated) epitheliocytes, which are located in the region of the tops of the villi. At the same time, immature cells are located at the base of the villi, which cannot normally absorb products from the intestinal lumen. As they differentiate, immature epitheliocytes move higher and higher, reaching the top of the villus at the moment when they become fully "mature".

The essence of rotavirus infection is that viral particles affect only mature epithelial cells of the small intestine. The cells affected by the virus are destroyed and rejected by the mucous membrane, as a result of which its absorption capacity is reduced. This triggers compensatory reactions, as a result of which "immature" cells begin to move to the top of the villi much faster. At the same time, they do not have time to fully differentiate, as a result of which they cannot ensure normal absorption of nutrients from the lumen of the small intestine.

As the disease develops, there is also a violation of blood microcirculation in the area of ​​the mucous membrane, that is, its ischemia develops ( oxygen starvation). This triggers the development of local inflammatory processes and the release of so-called biologically active substances into the tissues that support inflammation. As a result of the described reactions, there is an even greater damage to the mucous membrane and an even more pronounced malabsorption in the intestine, which increases the severity of the clinical manifestations of the disease.

It is also worth noting that in uncomplicated cases, the virus affects only the mucous membrane of the small intestine. At the same time, with a decrease in the body's defenses, viral particles with the blood and lymph flow can spread to other tissues and organs ( to the liver, brain and spinal cord and so on), causing their defeat and violation of their functions. This may be accompanied by the development of systemic manifestations of the disease and other symptoms associated with damage to certain organs.

Rotavirus infection - specialist advice

Symptoms, signs and course ( how does rotavirus infection manifest itself in children, adolescents, adults?)

Symptoms of rotavirus infection are caused by damage to the intestinal mucosa and malabsorption of nutrients, as well as disruption of the immune system and the whole organism.

Rotavirus infection can manifest itself:

• vomiting;
• diarrhea ( diarrhea);

• an increase in body temperature;
• general weakness;

How long is the incubation period?

Incubation ( hidden, asymptomatic) the period with rotavirus infection can last from 1 to 5 - 7 days, although sometimes it can be as little as 15 hours.

The incubation period is the time from the moment a person becomes infected until the first symptoms of infection appear. During the incubation period, the rotavirus has already entered the human body, struck the mucous membrane of its intestines and began to actively multiply in it. At the same time, digestion has not yet been disturbed, and there are no systemic manifestations of the disease, since viral particles have not yet entered the bloodstream, and the body's immune system has not yet begun to fight the infection.

It is worth noting that during the incubation period, some patients may complain of weakness, fatigue, sore throat, cough, fever, or other similar symptoms. This may be due to a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that developed before the infection with rotavirus.

The incubation period is followed by an acute onset of the disease, accompanied by a rapid development and increase in all characteristic signs. From the moment the first symptoms appear to the full development of the clinical picture of rotavirus infection, it takes from 1 to 4-5 hours.

Nausea and vomiting

One of the characteristic signs of the disease observed in rotavirus infection in 100% of cases. In more than half of cases, vomiting is the first sign of infection. Vomiting is usually single, but sometimes it can be repeated 2-3 times. The vomit contains recently eaten food ( if the person has eaten before), may contain bile impurities. Profuse ( watery, thin, profuse) vomiting is usually not observed.

The cause of vomiting is the penetration of the virus into the intestinal mucosa and its defeat. This triggers the body's defense mechanisms, the purpose of which is to prevent infection and toxins from entering the body. Peristalsis ( motility) the intestines are disturbed, and the patient has an urge to vomit. After vomiting, the patient usually experiences some relief associated with the emptying of the stomach and upper small intestine.

In more than half of the cases, vomiting stops by the end of the first day of the development of the disease, but sometimes it can last 2-3 days.

diarrhea ( diarrhea)

Diarrhea appears simultaneously with vomiting or within an hour after it. The mechanism of development of this symptom is directly related to damage to the mucous membrane of the small intestine.

As mentioned earlier, when the cells of the intestinal mucosa are destroyed by rotaviruses, the absorption of nutrients from the lumen of the small intestine is disrupted. Non-absorbed substances remaining in the intestinal lumen have the so-called osmotic activity, that is, the ability to attract fluid to themselves. As the disease progresses, the concentration of osmotically active substances in the small intestine increases, as a result of which a large amount of fluid begins to move into its lumen. Moreover, these substances prevent the absorption of fluid in the large intestine, which also contributes to its accumulation in the intestinal lumen. This is the main reason for the development of diarrhea, as well as many complications of this disease.

Diarrhea in rotavirus infection is characterized by:

• Sudden and frequent urge to defecate. They can occur from 2 to 3 times a day ( with mild disease) up to 20 - 50 or more times a day ( in severe disease).
• imperative ( imperative) the urge to defecate. These urges are so strong that the patient cannot restrain them.

During the first 1-2 bowel movements, the stool may be normal ( formalized), since the normal feces that were there will stand out from the large intestine. However, soon the feces will become liquid, acquiring properties characteristic of this pathology.

Stool with rotavirus infection:

• Liquid- first in the form of gruel, and then watery.
• Foamy- after a bowel movement, foam may be observed on the surface of the stool.
• Fetid- after a bowel movement, an unpleasant odor is felt, the occurrence of which is explained by the intensification of the processes of decay and fermentation in the large intestine.
• Greenish or yellowish.

Sometimes the feces may contain a small amount of viscous mucus, but this is not a characteristic sign of a rotavirus infection. The duration of diarrhea varies depending on the form of the disease and can range from 1 to 3 to 6 days.

Stomach ache ( my stomach hurts)

Abdominal pain is a common but not mandatory symptom of rotavirus infection. Patients may complain of aching, pulling or cramping pains in the upper and lower abdomen, which may worsen during diarrhea or vomiting. Pain is caused by spasm pronounced reduction) muscle fibers of the intestine, developing against the background of its increased activity. Attacks of pain in this case can occur 1 time 3 - 5 minutes ( or less frequently, which would correspond to intestinal contractions). The pain persists for 10 to 30 seconds and may be accompanied by an increased urge to defecate, after which it quickly disappears.

Bloating

With rotavirus infection, bloating is observed, which is directly related to indigestion.

As mentioned earlier, with this pathology, the absorption of nutrients from the small intestine is disrupted, as a result of which they attract fluid and move on ( into the large intestine). The human large intestine normally contains a wide variety of bacteria that take part in digestion. However, in the normal absorption function of the mucous membrane, only a small amount of nutrients enters the large intestine.

With the development of rotavirus infection, nutrients that are not absorbed in the small intestine penetrate into the large intestine, where they become food for the bacteria living there. Their digestion and breakdown is accompanied by the production of a large amount of gases ( methane, hydrogen, carbon dioxide and so on), which leads to overflow of the colon with gases and bloating. Moreover, due to increased peristalsis ( motility) intestinal gases in it are constantly moving from one department to another, which is accompanied by a pronounced "rumbling" in the stomach, which an outsider or doctor can hear, even being at a great distance from the patient.

Temperature

Elevated body temperature is also a characteristic manifestation of the disease, observed immediately after the end of the incubation period. In most cases, it does not exceed 37 - 37.5 degrees, but in severe forms of the disease it can rise to 39 or more degrees.

The mechanism of body temperature increase in rotavirus infection is associated with the activation of the immune system, which occurs in response to the penetration of foreign viral particles into the human body. At the same time, cells of the immune system produce special substances that activate the temperature regulation center in the brain, thereby increasing heat production in the body.

It should be noted that with rotavirus infection, the temperature remains elevated for 2 to 3 days from the onset of the disease. At the same time, elevated body temperature may be associated with a concomitant respiratory tract infection, against which infection with rotavirus occurred. That is why this symptom should be evaluated only in combination with other clinical and laboratory data.

Weakness and headaches

These symptoms are associated with general intoxication of the body and activation of the immune system against the background of infection with rotavirus. The fact is that some time after the defeat of the intestinal mucosa, viral particles can penetrate into the deeper tissues of the intestinal wall and even enter the systemic circulation. At the same time, they will come into contact with the cells of the immune system, which will begin to actively fight them, destroying the infected cells of their own body. The outcome of the described reactions will be the development of the so-called general intoxication syndrome, which is characteristic not only for rotavirus, but also for any other infection.

The syndrome of general intoxication of the body can manifest itself:

• general weakness;
• increased fatigue;
• decrease in working capacity;
• lethargy;
• "brokenness";
• headaches;
• shortness of breath ( feeling short of breath) during physical activity and so on.

It should be noted that the severity of these symptoms depends on the severity of the disease, as well as on the presence or absence of comorbidities ( for example, the presence of a concomitant respiratory tract infection may exacerbate the syndrome of general intoxication).

Cough

Presence of cough and other signs of upper respiratory tract infection ( runny nose, sore throat, nasal congestion and so on) is an important diagnostic criterion for making a correct diagnosis. The reason for the development of these manifestations may be a concomitant respiratory tract infection, the development of which is also observed in the cold season. At the same time, some scientists believe that rotavirus can enter the human body along with inhaled air and affect the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, thereby causing the development of these symptoms. However, it should be noted that this theory has not been definitively proven.

The cough associated with rotavirus infection is usually dry, painful, and is not accompanied by sputum or mucus. The reason for its development is the defeat and destruction of the mucous membrane of the trachea and bronchi, which leads to irritation of the nerve endings located there ( cough receptors). During coughing, an even greater traumatization of the mucous membrane occurs and the patient wants to cough even more. That is why the cough itself does not bring any relief to the patient, but only worsens his well-being.

Is there a rash with rotavirus infection?

For this disease, the appearance of a rash is not typical. Rotavirus can infect the intestinal mucosa, possibly the respiratory tract, and some internal organs ( with the development of complications). At the same time, even in severe forms of the disease, the patient's skin remains unaffected.

Stages of rotavirus infection

The course of rotavirus infection can be divided into stages that follow each other as the disease develops and progresses. This division is used by doctors in order to prescribe a more correct treatment, since at different stages of the disease, treatment tactics will be different.

In the development of rotavirus infection, there are:

• incubation period. Lasts from 15 hours to 5 - 7 days. During this period, there are no clinical signs of infection. The patient may look completely healthy, although rotavirus is already developing in the mucous membrane of his intestines.
• acute period. Lasts 3 to 7 days from the onset of the first symptom. During the acute period of the disease, the severity of symptoms gradually increases and reaches its peak. It is in the acute period that patients usually turn to medical institutions for help. If you do not start treatment in the acute period of rotavirus infection, the risk of complications increases significantly.
• Recovery period. Lasts from 3 to 5 days. During this period, the severity of the patient's symptoms gradually subsides. The general condition of the patient improves, but his body remains weakened and still needs adequate treatment.

Manifestations of rotavirus infection in newborns, infants and children

Young children cannot independently describe their well-being and complaints, therefore, the diagnosis is based solely on the anamnesis data ( history of disease development) and existing clinical manifestations.

In almost 100% of cases, rotavirus infection in children of all ages begins with three main symptoms - vomiting, watery diarrhea and fever. At the same time, the temperature in children is higher than in adults ( from the first days of the disease can reach 38 - 39 degrees). At the same time, it is worth noting that in some children, high fever and diarrhea may be the only symptoms of infection, while vomiting may be absent.

Another feature of the development of rotavirus infection in children is a decrease or complete lack of appetite. This is due to a violation of the motility of the gastrointestinal tract, with the overflow of the large intestine with gases and with the development of a syndrome of general intoxication of the body. Sick children refuse to eat, become lethargic, inactive, may cry for a long time and be capricious. If the child can already talk, he may complain of pain in the abdomen, headaches, and so on.

It is important to note that children's body unable to compensate for developing digestive disorders for as long as the body of an adult. Within a few hours after the onset of the acute period of rotavirus infection, a child may develop serious complications that pose a danger to his health or even life. That is why, if one or more symptoms of the disease are detected, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible, without wasting time on self-treatment.

How many days does a rotavirus infection last?

In uncomplicated cases, the duration of the disease is no more than 5-7 days ( from the onset of the first clinical symptoms). At the same time, it should be noted that in severe forms of rotavirus infection ( which can be observed in weakened people, newborns or children with impaired immunity) signs of disease ( diarrhea, vomiting, fever, etc.) can be stored for 8-10 or more days. If at the same time complications from other internal organs and systems develop, their treatment may take several weeks, and the patient's full recovery may take several months.

The clinical form of the disease is exposed after assessing the patient's symptoms and determining the severity of his condition.

Clinical forms of rotavirus infection

Criterion	Light form	Moderate form	Severe form
Temperature	Normal or slightly elevated ( up to 37 - 37.5 degrees).	37 - 39 degrees.	38 - 39 or more degrees.
Vomit	1 - 2 times on the first day of the disease.	2-5 times a day for 2-3 days.	Multiple, lengthy.
Diarrhea	3 - 7 times a day, mushy stool.	Liquid, watery stools 8-16 times a day for 2-3 days.	Watery stools more than 20 - 30 times a day for 3 or more days.
Syndrome of general intoxication of the organism	Weak or absent.	Moderately pronounced.	Severe violation of the general condition of the patient.
Disease duration	Recovery occurs in 4-5 days.	Recovery occurs on the 6th - 8th day.	Improvement in the patient's condition can be observed no earlier than after 8-9 days.
The presence of complications from the internal organs	Not typical.	Not typical.	Characteristically.

Can rotavirus infection occur without symptoms ( no fever, no diarrhea, no vomiting)?

As mentioned earlier, in the vast majority of cases, rotavirus infection is manifested by diarrhea, vomiting and fever ( and these symptoms are more pronounced in children than in adults.). The development of the disease without these clinical manifestations is extremely rare.

An asymptomatic course of a rotavirus infection can be observed when a rotavirus enters the body of a healthy person whose immunity is not impaired, and there are antiviral antibodies in his blood ( that is, if he has already had this infection). In this case, the virus will be present in his body for a certain time ( which can be confirmed by special laboratory tests), but no clinical signs of the disease will be detected.

In some cases, the onset of the disease may occur in the absence of one of the characteristic manifestations of rotavirus infection. For example, patients may have only diarrhea and fever ( without vomiting) or, conversely, high fever and vomiting ( without diarrhea). At the same time, by the end of 1-2 days, the classical clinical picture of the disease usually develops, including all the symptoms listed above.

In people with severely immunocompromised for example, in patients with AIDS - acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) the disease can proceed without temperature. This is due to the fact that in the later stages of the disease, the immunity of such patients weakens so much that they are unable to adequately respond to the introduction of foreign viruses into the body. Similar disorders can be observed in people with cancer ( tumor) diseases that undergo courses of radiation therapy or chemotherapy ( these procedures also disrupt the immune system). At the same time, other signs of rotavirus infection ( diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain) in such patients will be observed from the first days of the disease.

Which doctor should I contact for rotavirus infection?

Diagnosis and treatment of patients with rotavirus infection infectious disease physician ( enroll) . At the same time, it is worth noting that when the first symptoms of the disease appear, people usually turn to their family doctor, pediatrician ( enroll) (if the child is sick) or call an ambulance. That is why a doctor of any specialty should be able to recognize the symptoms of this pathology and promptly refer the patient to an infectious disease specialist.

During the examination of the patient, consultation may be necessary:

• gastroenterologist ( enroll) ;
• otorhinolaryngologist ( Laura) (enroll) ;

• resuscitator.

The patient examination process includes:

• questioning the patient;
• clinical examination;
• consultations of other specialists;
• laboratory diagnostics.

During the interview, the doctor clarifies the data regarding the onset and development of the disease, which is necessary for the correct diagnosis.

When interviewing a patient, the doctor is interested in:

• What worries the patient this moment?
• When did the symptoms first appear?
• The order in which symptoms appear.
• The nature of the vomiting if it exists), its frequency, color, smell, presence or absence of blood, and so on.
• The nature of the chair if it exists), its frequency and consistency, color, smell.
• Is the patient's body temperature elevated? at the same time, the doctor measures it again during the examination, but asks the patient to clarify to what figures the temperature has risen since the onset of the disease).
• Does the patient have signs of airway disease ( cough, sore or sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion and so on)?
• Has anyone in the patient's family had similar symptoms in the last few days?
• Has the patient received any treatment? If so, which one and who appointed him?

After the interview, the doctor proceeds to a clinical examination, the purpose of which is to assess the general condition of the patient's body.

Clinical examination includes:

• Inspection. On examination, the doctor may notice dryness of the skin, a decrease in the natural luster of the skin. This may be due to dehydration loss of large amounts of fluid from the body), caused by frequent diarrhea and vomiting. Also, the presence of dehydration may indicate the retraction of the eyeballs in the sockets.
• Palpation. The essence of the method is to assess the condition of the skin, musculoskeletal system and other organs through their palpation. On palpation, the doctor can detect a decrease in turgor ( elasticity) of the skin, which will indicate severe dehydration. To do this, he will slightly squeeze the skin on the patient’s arm into a fold with two fingers, and then release it. Under normal conditions, the skin will immediately straighten and return to its original shape, while dehydration can leave a wrinkle on the skin that lasts for a few seconds or minutes. Also, with palpation of the abdomen, the doctor may note its swelling and increased rumbling ( due to the accumulation of large amounts of gas in the intestines).
• percussion ( tapping). This method is not of particular diagnostic value for rotavirus infection. With it, you can only confirm the presence of gases in the intestines. To do this, the doctor presses one hand to the surface of the patient's abdomen, and lightly taps the finger of the first hand with the finger of the second hand. The presence of gas or air in the intestines will be indicated by a characteristic tympanic sound, reminiscent of the sound of tapping on a drum.
• auscultation ( listening). This study is carried out using a stethoscope - a device consisting of a special membrane and sound-conducting tubes. By listening to the abdomen, you can determine the presence of increased peristalsis ( motility) intestines, which is typical for rotavirus infection. Listening to the heart can reveal muffled tones, which is an unfavorable prognostic sign and indicates a severe course of the disease. Also, all patients are advised to listen to the lungs ( to exclude inflammatory diseases respiratory system).

If all the described procedures are carried out correctly, the doctor will be able to make an accurate diagnosis with a high degree of probability. However, to confirm it, as well as to more accurately assess the patient's condition and prescribe treatment, additional laboratory tests may be required.

Also, the infectious disease doctor can refer the patient for consultations to other specialists if he doubts the diagnosis ( in this case, you may need to consult an ENT specialist, which will rule out the presence of an upper respiratory tract infection). If the patient develops severe complications of rotavirus infection ( for example, loss of consciousness due to severe dehydration), you should immediately call for a consultation with a resuscitator or immediately transfer the patient to the intensive care unit, where he will be provided with the necessary assistance.

If, against the background of the treatment, the patient's condition begins to improve, it will be extremely important to choose the right and balanced diet for him, which will restore the normal function of the gastrointestinal tract and replenish fluids, electrolytes, trace elements and other substances lost with diarrhea and vomit. To resolve these issues, the patient may need to consult a dietitian.

Methods of laboratory diagnostics ( tests for rotavirus infection)

Due to the similarity of the nature of diarrhea in rotavirus infection with other intestinal diseases the diagnosis must be confirmed by laboratory testing. Laboratory diagnostic methods allow assessing the general condition of the patient, confirming ( or refute) the presence of rotavirus in the patient's body, as well as timely detection of possible complications that may develop against the background of rotavirus infection.

It is better to conduct all studies before starting treatment, because the use of antibiotics or antiviral drugs can distort the data obtained and make it difficult to make a diagnosis, thereby reducing the effectiveness of therapeutic measures.

For research, you can use:

• fecal masses;
• vomit;
• urine;
• blood;
• saliva and other tissues.

With rotavirus infection, the patient may be prescribed:

• general blood analysis ;
• express tests.

General blood analysis

General blood analysis ( UAC) is uninformative, since in this analysis there is no characteristic parameter that allows you to confirm or refute the presence of rotavirus infection. At the same time, some data may indicate the presence of a virus in the body. Moreover, this analysis is performed for absolutely all patients hospitalized with diarrhea or vomiting, as it allows timely detection of the development of possible complications ( e.g. dehydration).

With rotavirus infection in the KLA, there may be:

• Leukocytosis ( increase in the level of leukocytes in the blood). Leukocytes are blood cells that perform protective function in the human body. When the virus enters the body, the active production of leukocytes begins, and therefore their number increases at the onset of the disease. At the same time, leukocytosis is observed in almost any infectious pathology.
• Leukopenia ( decrease in the level of leukocytes in the blood). Short-term leukopenia develops at the height of the disease due to increased exposure to the virus and weakening of the body. At the same time, it is worth noting that leukopenia is characteristic of many viral diseases, and not only of rotavirus infection.
• Lymphocytosis ( increased levels of lymphocytes in the blood). Lymphocytes are a type of blood cells that also perform a protective function. When a virus enters the body, lymphocytes are activated, producing antibodies against viral particles, which contributes to the destruction of the virus.

Also, when evaluating the KLA, you can identify:

• An increase in hematocrit. Hematocrit is the percentage ratio between blood cells and its liquid part. Normally, the hematocrit in a man is 40 - 48%, and in a woman - 36 - 46% ( due to fewer blood cells in the body). With rotavirus infection, the patient experiences intense diarrhea and vomiting, which are accompanied by fluid loss from the body. If these losses are not replenished, the proportion of cellular elements in the blood will increase, as a result of which the hematocrit will also increase. This is dangerous because the blood in this case will become more viscous, it will be more difficult for it to pass through small blood vessels and deliver oxygen to the tissues. At the same time, the heart muscle will have to work much harder to push the viscous blood through the blood vessels. All this can lead to disruption of the functions of many organs and systems ( including brain, heart, liver, kidney and so on).
• ESR decrease ( erythrocyte sedimentation rate). ESR is a laboratory indicator that also allows you to assess the degree of dehydration of the body. To determine the ESR, the blood taken from the patient is placed in a test tube and the time during which the heavier red blood cells ( erythrocytes) will sink to the bottom. The fact is that blood cells have the ability to repel each other. Consequently, the more of them there are in the test tube, the stronger they will repel and the slower they will settle to its bottom. Normal ESR in men is 2 - 10 mm per hour, and in women - 2 - 15 mm per hour. At the same time, when dehydrated ( against the backdrop of diarrhea and vomiting), the concentration of erythrocytes in the blood can increase significantly, as a result of which the ESR will also increase.

Analysis of urine

This analysis will also not allow you to make an accurate diagnosis. Some patients with rotavirus infection may have single blood cells, single white blood cells, or protein in the urine. At the same time, these changes may occur when in large numbers other diseases, as well as in an absolutely healthy person, if he incorrectly collects urine for analysis.

To get the most accurate results, a urine test should be taken in the morning. On the evening before the test, you need to carry out a hygienic toilet of the genital organs. You should also avoid foods that can change the color of your urine ( beets, carrots). A small amount of ( about 50 ml) urine at the very beginning of urination should be skipped. Then, without interrupting urination, about 50-100 ml of urine should be collected in a pre-prepared sterile container, tightly closed with a lid and taken to the laboratory for research.

Fecal analysis ( coprogram)

With rotavirus infection, the absorption process in the small intestine is disrupted, as a result of which nutrients accumulate in its lumen and are excreted from the body along with feces ( what normally does not happen). Based on the study of the qualitative and quantitative composition of feces, it is possible to determine the degree of malabsorption and the level of damage, which will contribute to the diagnosis.

For a coprogram with rotavirus infection, it is characteristic:

• Liquid ( mushy or watery) stool consistency- due to the transition of a large amount of water into the intestinal lumen.
• Yellowish or greenish stools- due to the processes of decay and fermentation of products in the large intestine ( under the influence of bacteria living there).
• The presence of a characteristic fetid odor- also associated with the processes of decay and fermentation.
• The presence of a small amount of mucus in the stool.
• Small amount of blood in stool- due to defeat destruction) of the mucous membrane, which is accompanied by rupture of small blood vessels.
• Determination of undigested foods in feces- fiber, fat, starch, muscle fibers, proteins and so on.

Fecal analysis is best taken at the peak of the clinical manifestations of the disease ( usually 2-3 days), when the damage to the intestinal mucosa is most pronounced, and digestion is disturbed. At the same time, the identification of the above criteria is possible already 1-2 days after the onset of the infection, since rotavirus rather quickly destroys the intestinal mucosa and disrupts its absorption function.

Feces should be collected in small quantities ( up to 5 grams) in sterile dishes, which can be bought at the pharmacy. It is important that the collected material does not come into contact with anything ( be it the surface of the toilet bowl, baby potty and so on), since foreign microorganisms can get into it, which will distort the results of the study. In infants, feces can be collected from the diaper with a sterile stick.

The collected material should be delivered to the laboratory for examination within the first 2-3 hours after collection. The study itself usually does not take much time, so that after a few hours you can get the results of the analysis.

PCR ( polymerase chain reaction)

The most sensitive method for diagnosing rotavirus infection. PCR determines the genetic material of the virus ( RNA - ribonucleic acid), which allows you to confirm the presence of viral particles in feces, biological fluids and other tissues of the human body. Using this reaction, it is possible to identify both patients and carriers of rotavirus.

It is better to take an analysis within the first 3 to 10 days from the onset of the disease, when the concentration of the virus in the body is maximum. The rules for collecting feces for this study are the same as for the general analysis of feces. The day before the collection of feces, it is necessary to abandon drugs that affect peristalsis ( cuts) intestines or may change the color of the stool ( iron preparations, bismuth), as this may distort the results of the study. For the same reason, enemas and rectal suppositories should be abandoned ( candles).

The essence of the method is that the test material is mixed with special enzymes, placed in an incubator and "grown" under special conditions for a certain time. If there is at least 1 section of rotavirus RNA in the biomaterial, many copies of viruses will be created on its basis, which then allows you to easily determine the presence and type of the pathogen.

It should be noted that the PCR procedure is quite lengthy and expensive, as a result of which it is carried out only in special research laboratories.

Rapid test for rotavirus infection

Rapid test for rotavirus infection ( the so-called rota-test) allows detection of rotavirus particles in feces. It is advisable to carry out the test in the first week after the onset of symptoms of the disease, when the amount of virus in the intestinal mucosa will be greatest and the probability of detecting viral particles will be maximum.

You can buy a rota test at any pharmacy. At the same time, the purchased kit includes all the devices necessary for the study, as well as detailed instructions for them.

The test includes:

• instruction;
• sterile gloves;
• test panel;
• a plastic tube filled with a special solution, in which there is a stick for collecting feces.

In order for the result to be as accurate as possible, before conducting the study, you should carefully read the instructions and strictly follow the instructions contained in it. It is advisable to carry out the test in sterile gloves, which will avoid contamination of the hands, as well as contamination of the test material.

To conduct a rapid test for rotavirus infection, open a plastic tube ( cone) and remove a sterile stick from it. A small amount of test material should be collected on the tip of the stick ( up to 2 grams). For this it ( tip) should simply be vertically immersed several times in the feces, without trying to take them “more”. After taking the material, the stick should be placed back into the flask with the solution, closed and shaken several times. The result should be a homogeneous liquid solution. If you collect too much feces, the solution will turn out to be thick and the result will not show anything ( the test will fail).

When a homogeneous solution is formed in the flask, you should take the test panel out of the sterile package and open it. Externally, this panel has the shape of a rectangle, on the surface of which there are 2 windows ( grooves) are oval and rectangular. The oval window is intended for applying the test material, and the results of the test will be displayed in the rectangular window. Above the rectangular window are 2 letters - "C" and "T".

To conduct a study, you need to break the top on the lid of a plastic cone and apply the resulting solution ( 4 drops) on the test panel in the oval window, and then wait 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, colored stripes will appear in the rectangular window, by which it will be possible to judge the result of the analysis.

After conducting a rapid test for rotavirus infection, you can get:

• Positive result ( there are rotaviruses in the stool). In this case, a green stripe will appear opposite the letter "C", and a red stripe will appear opposite the letter "T".
• Negative result ( no rotavirus found in stool). In this case, a green bar will appear opposite the letter "C", and nothing will appear opposite the letter "T".
• Inaccurate result. If after 10-20 minutes after applying the material no strip appears in the rectangular window, and also if only a red strip appears, the test is considered incorrect. In this case, the study must be repeated on a new test.

It is important to note that the rapid test gives only a presumptive ( indicative) result. Diagnose rotavirus infection based on rota test results alone ( without evaluation of clinical signs and other laboratory data) it does not follow.

Differential Diagnosis ( how to distinguish rotavirus infection from intestinal enterovirus infection, food poisoning, dysentery?)

Signs of rotavirus infection ( diarrhea, vomiting, general intoxication of the body) are in many ways similar to those of other intestinal infections. At the same time, the treatment of these diseases varies. That is why it is extremely important from the first days to establish an accurate diagnosis and exclude the possibility of error.

Rotavirus infection should be differentiated ( differ):

• from enterovirus infection. Enteroviruses are a group of viruses that can also infect the intestines and cause watery diarrhea, vomiting, and symptoms of general intoxication. At the same time, the frequency of stools in enterovirus infection usually does not exceed 6-8 times a day, while the body temperature rises to 39-40 degrees from the first day of the disease. A rota test can help in the diagnosis ( if it is negative, the patient most likely has an enterovirus infection).
• From food poisoning. The cause of food poisoning can be pathogenic bacteria or their toxins that enter the human body along with food. Clinical manifestations depend on the type of pathogen, but in most cases, before the development of symptoms, a person eats poorly processed, contaminated foods ( fresh vegetables, meat or dairy products and so on), which can be reported to the doctor. Also, with food poisoning, vomiting first appears ( which can be abundant and repeated), and a little later - loose stools, which can also be watery. In this case, the general condition of patients worsens significantly ( body temperature can rise to 39 degrees or more), and signs of damage to other organs and systems may also appear.
• From dysentery. This disease is caused by the microorganism Shigella. Shigella penetrate the human gastrointestinal tract and affect the mucous membrane of the large intestine, which is also accompanied by profuse watery diarrhea and the appearance of symptoms of intoxication of the body. At the same time, Shigella or the toxins they release can enter the patient's bloodstream and affect various systems and organs ( especially the nervous system), which will be accompanied by characteristic clinical manifestations. This will distinguish dysentery from rotavirus infection by early stages disease, however, laboratory tests will be required for an accurate diagnosis.

Are SARS and rotavirus the same thing?

These pathologies are completely different diseases that are provoked by various pathogens and are characterized by different symptoms and approaches to treatment.

The essence of rotavirus infection has been described previously. At the same time, SARS acute respiratory viral infection) can be caused by a number of viruses ( parainfluenza viruses, adenoviruses, rhinoviruses and so on). All of these viruses enter the human body along with inhaled air and infect the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, which leads to the appearance of characteristic clinical manifestations ( sore throat, cough, runny nose, fever and so on).

Rotovirus infection (correctly called "rotavirus infection" or "rotavirus") is an intestinal disease caused by a virus. The most susceptible to infection are young children (under 3 years old), among whom this disease is more common and has a more severe course.

How can you get rotavirus infection?

Rotovirus infection is transmitted through dirty hands, unboiled water or milk. The virus is excreted with feces, like the bacteria that cause intestinal infections (salmonella, dysentery bacillus), but it also has its own characteristics: it gets into the saliva and urine of a sick person. That is why the disease is very easily transmitted in the children's team: a sick child plays with toys, while he coughs or sneezes. The virus settles on objects. Other children also play with these toys, then forget to wash their hands and sit down at the table. Thus, as well as through the use of shared linen or personal hygiene products, infection occurs. Rotovirus infection in adults occurs when caring for a sick child, but it usually proceeds mildly and does not require special treatment (in 90% of cases).

How does a rotovirus infection progress?

Outbreaks of rotavirus infection are most frequent in the winter-spring period, when children spend most of their time indoors. Children under the age of three are most often affected, but all age groups are affected.

Incubation period - from two hours to three days

The disease usually begins with symptoms very reminiscent of a cold - coughing, sneezing. The body temperature rises. Then loose stools appear, which have the following characteristics:

It is frequent (up to 15 or more times a day);

Watery;

Often foamy;

Possesses an unpleasant smell.

The chair does not always have such characteristics. It can be both greenish and flaky. In addition to diarrhea, there is vomiting. Elevated body temperature is sometimes very difficult to reduce, it tends to increase frequently.

Roto virus infection - why is it important to see a doctor?

This infection is dangerous with the following manifestations, especially in young children:

Dehydration. Children lose fluid very quickly, the profuse loss of which with feces and vomiting is characteristic of this infection. It is important to replenish fluid in time to prevent complications such as:

Kidney damage: when fluid is abundantly lost, the body "gets" the necessary water from all tissues. This fluid goes into the vessels to sustain life. The "economy mode" is turned on. As a result, the fluid from the vessels is less and less filtered through the kidneys. Initially, the introduction of water into the body can help them. If this is not done in time, the kidney tissue itself may suffer. Then only the “artificial kidney” apparatus will save (if the child is transportable by this moment);

Decreased blood pressure.

2. Acetonemic syndrome is a frequent companion of rotavirus infection. This term means that due to stress, which is the disease, the body spends all its carbohydrate reserves to fight it. But this energy is not enough for him. Then he moves on to getting it from fat in the body. A by-product of this "wrong" metabolism are ketone (acetone) bodies. They are very poisonous to the body. Acetonemic syndrome is manifested by profuse persistent vomiting, lethargy and weakness of the child, and abdominal pain. Vomiting makes it impossible to feed the baby. A vicious circle develops (dehydration - an increase in acetone in the blood - dehydration), which can only be interrupted by intravenous fluids. You can check the presence of acetone using special tests that are sold at the pharmacy. Such strips can be put in a diaper or dipped directly into urine, and their color can be used to judge the presence or absence of acetonemic syndrome (normally, urine acetone should be negative).

Treatment of rotavirus infection

1. Liquid introduction:

a) if the child drinks and assimilates water (he does not vomit after its introduction, 10-15 ml every 10 minutes), then the liquid is given through the mouth. These are weakly alkaline and sweetish solutions (in the acetonemic state), water saturated with salts (solutions of rehydron, gastrolith, oralite in water);

b) if it is not possible to drink or part of the injected water still returns with vomiting, hospitalization and drip intravenous solutions are necessary.

2. Antiviral treatment - candles "Laferon" ("Viferon") or vials of "Lipoferon" in

age dosage.

3. Paracetamol (Efferalgan), Nurofen are used to reduce fever. Sometimes you have to give injections to lower it.

Rotovirus infection: prevention

A vaccine has been developed against the virus, but the main preventive measure is to follow the rules

Rotavirus gastroenteritis, intestinal (gastric) flu - these names hide a disease whose manifestations are known to most people. Therefore, it is important to know how to choose the right drugs for rotavirus infection for a speedy cure.

Rotavirus infection is an acute disease that affects.

The culprit of the disease is a virus that has a spherical shape. Outwardly, it looks like a small wheel with spokes, for which it got its name: rota in Latin means “wheel”. Despite its small size, the virus is resistant to external influences, as it is covered with a reliable shell consisting of three layers. Therefore, neither the enzymes of the human digestive tract, nor chlorinated water are harmful to him. Only acids, alkalis and boiling can cope with the insidious pathogen.

The source of infection with the virus is a sick person. How is rotavirus transmitted from him to other people?

• any close contact with an infected person. Infection occurs even after a banal handshake, if hands were not thoroughly washed;
• when using common utensils and other household items with an infected person;
• when coughing and sneezing, the pathogen can be transmitted by airborne droplets.

Penetrating into the body, the insidious "wheel" is located in the tissues and begins its vital activity. As a result, mature epithelial cells die, they are replaced by unformed ones. Nutrients cease to be fully absorbed, digestion is disturbed.

Symptoms of rotavirus infection

When a spherical pathogen enters the body, unpleasant manifestations make themselves felt quite quickly, the incubation period lasts from 1 to 5 days. If a person is weakened, the disease develops rapidly, within 15 hours.

The danger of the disease is that its symptoms can manifest themselves differently in people, depending on age and individual characteristics of the body. There are cases when the virus enters the body, but it fails to invade the cells, and the disease is asymptomatic.

The first manifestations resemble signs of a respiratory ailment: the patient has a sore throat, a runny nose, and a cough. Hence the second name of the disease - intestinal flu.

After some time, the initial symptoms are supplemented by new phenomena.

• General weakness, decrease or complete lack of appetite. This is more typical for adults.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhea characterized by pale yellow watery feces with a strong odor.
• Urine acquires a dark shade, its total amount decreases.
• Pain and.
• In children, the temperature rises, often to high values. In adults, it remains within the normal range, or the increase is insignificant.
• With severe vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration is observed.

Important! It happens that in adults the symptoms do not appear brightly, so the malaise that has arisen is attributed to poisoning with poor-quality products. Such patients, despite the absence of acute painful manifestations, are potential spreaders of the virus to others.

Features of children's symptoms

In children, the disease, as a rule, has a more acute course compared to adults:

• rise in temperature to 38 degrees and above, a feverish state is possible;
• severe nausea and vomiting;
• diarrhea, sometimes difficult to control, the number of bowel movements can reach up to 15-20 times a day;
• severe weakness, lethargy, drowsiness.

Important! For young children, the main danger of the disease is that it leads to dehydration. The smaller the body weight of the baby, the faster this process develops. Therefore, children under the age of 2 years with a severe course of the disease are subject to urgent hospitalization.

How long does the disease last? The period of acute manifestations is from 3 to 7 days, possibly a more severe course of the disease, which lasts over a week. After acute symptoms no longer make themselves felt, a recovery period of 4-5 days begins.

How to treat stomach flu

Currently, there is no remedy aimed at treating rotavirus infection directly, so the therapeutic course for patients is complex.

Rehydration

The specific manifestations of the disease are such that the body suffers from dehydration: during diarrhea and vomiting, a large amount of fluid is excreted from the body. So important point in the treatment is rehydration - replenishment of lost fluid. The most effective drug for these purposes is Regidron.

In order not to provoke new attacks of vomiting, in the acute period of the disease, the liquid should be taken in very small portions, up to a teaspoon.

Important! If the dehydration process continues for more than a day, and taking even small portions of water causes vomiting, intravenous fluids are required in a hospital setting.

Sorbents

To remove toxins from the body, sorbents are used - special preparations that bind and remove the waste products of a spherical pathogen: Smecta, Enterosgel, Polysorb.

Tidy up the intestines

• During the treatment of the disease is required. Starting from the 3-4th day of illness, it is recommended to take the following drugs: Normobakt, Bifidumbacterin, Linex.
• Against the background of the disease, pathogenic flora often develops in the intestine. To prevent this, drugs "Enterefuril", "Enterol" are prescribed.

Antiviral therapy

Unfortunately, there is no drug that specifically targets rotavirus. To alleviate the course of the disease, it is advisable to use antiviral drugs that prevent further penetration of the pathogen into the cells and thereby reduce the duration of the disease: Tsitovir 3, Viferon, Arbidol, Anaferon.

Aids in the treatment of rotavirus

• With frequent, indomitable vomiting, antiemetics, for example, Motilium, will help.
• If the disease is accompanied by a high temperature, antipyretic drugs are used: Panadol, Cefekon, Ibuprofen, Nurofen. Elevated temperature is a protective reaction of the body: its increase above 38 degrees has a detrimental effect on viruses. Therefore, you should not bring down the temperature below 38.5.

Important! Rotavirus is insensitive to antibacterial agents. Treating it with antibiotics is not only pointless, but also harmful. The drugs in this group will further enhance the bacterial imbalance of the intestine, thereby facilitating the further spread of the virus.

Antibacterial drugs are prescribed if a bacterial infection has developed against the background of the disease. This situation can occur no earlier than 3-4 days of illness and is confirmed by special tests.

Folk remedies in the treatment of intestinal flu

In the complex therapy of rotavirus infection, traditional medicine will help.

• In order to rehydrate the body, you can drink water with the addition of salt (at the rate of 1 teaspoon of table salt per 1 liter of water).
• Dry St. John's wort (1 tablespoon), pour 200 ml of boiling water, steam for half an hour. Strain the resulting drug and dilute hot water in the amount of 200 ml. Take half an hour before meals 1/3 cup three times a day. This remedy should not be given to children under 3 years of age.
• With severe diarrhea, a decoction of dried blueberries will help, it can be given to the patient both before and after meals. The product is suitable for children.
• Boil chamomile flowers (a tablespoon) in 200 ml of boiling water, hold under the lid for infusion for 15 minutes.

What to eat for a sick person: a diet for intestinal flu

Diet in case of infection with rotavirus is also an element of complex treatment.

Adult nutrition

In the acute stage of the disease, appetite is usually reduced or absent altogether, the mere thought of food causes nausea. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to maintain a drinking regime to replenish fluid loss.

In adults, this intestinal trouble does not give bright manifestations, and often food intake continues, but at the same time it is worth temporarily eliminating a number of foods from the diet.

• Dairy products that serve as a favorable environment for the life of the virus;
• drinks containing caffeine, which irritates the intestinal mucosa;
• fried and fatty foods, sausages and canned food. The digestion of heavy food is undesirable for the body, which is currently fighting an invading virus.

Important! In the acute period of the disease, it is necessary to limit the amount of food taken and pay special attention to the observance of the drinking regimen in order to prevent dehydration.

Catering for children

Children infected with rotavirus almost always refuse to eat in the first days of the disease. You should not force the child to eat by force, but compliance with the drinking regime is fundamentally important. In addition to the rehydration preparations mentioned above, you can offer your baby dried fruit compote, weak concentration fruit drink, and weak tea. Drinks should not contain a lot of sugar.

What to give a child when acute symptoms don't bother anymore, but digestive system not back to normal yet? Offer a small patient light meals: semi-liquid cereals with diluted milk or water, grated vegetable soups, lean meats, vegetables (boiled, stewed), baked apples, jelly.

Important! Even if, when the condition is relieved after a rotavirus infection, the child wakes up with a good appetite, bulky meals should be avoided during the recovery period and the use of a number of foods should be limited.

In the acute and recovery period of the disease, the following are prohibited:

Work experience more than 7 years.

Professional skills: diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and biliary system.

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