Rotavirus, antigen

Rotavirus is a genus of viruses from the Reoviridae family, similar to each other in antigenic structure. Rotavirus is one of the main causative agents of gastroenteritis in preschool and nursing age children, as well as geriatric patients. Most often, the infection is associated with infection by rotaviruses of types 1-4, 8, and 9. The virus enters the body through food products and dirty hands. The source of infection is exclusively a sick person. The highest incidence in countries with a temperate climate is observed in the cold season. The main symptoms of rotavirus infection are general intoxication (fever), diarrhea, and dehydration. The latter is especially dangerous for young children. In the absence of treatment, rotavirus infection can be complicated by severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Rotavirus is the cause of up to 50% of hospitalizations with the development of diarrheal syndrome in newborns and preschool children. Detection of the virus antigen in feces is a highly sensitive and highly specific test for diagnosing the infection. Since the peak of virus shedding in feces occurs on days 1-4 of the illness, it is recommended to collect biological material for testing during this period.

By 00:00 the next day. The specified time does not include the day of biomaterial collection