A new article published in StatPearls discussed that acute infectious gastroenteritis is a common illness, with global occurrences. Viral pathogens account for a majority of these cases.

The authors elaborated that this acute diarrheal disease is generally self-limiting in industrialized nations, but can have significant morbidity for young and elderly patients. However, in underdeveloped countries, viral diarrheal diseases are a significant cause of death, especially among infants.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), viral gastroenteritis infections can account for over 200,000 deaths of children every year, worldwide. Viral gastroenteritis is a known cause of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, weight loss and dehydration. Although isolated cases can occur, viral gastroenteritis more commonly occurs in outbreaks within close communities, such as daycare centers, nursing facilities and cruise ships.

This article stated that many different viruses can lead to symptomatology, though in routine clinical practice the true causative virus is generally not identified. Regardless of the viral cause, treatment is generally uniform and directed toward symptomatic improvement with a focus on the hydration status.

In industrialized countries, the disease is most often self-limiting and resolves in 1-3 days. However, in susceptible patients including young children, the elderly patients and immunocompromised – hospitalization can occur without proper supportive care leading to increased morbidity and mortality.

Source: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; June 25, 2020.