Rotavirus continues to be a significant cause of severe gastroenteritis among children under 5 years of age, particularly in low- and middle-income nations such as India. Recurrent infections disrupt intestinal function, causing nutrient malabsorption, chronic inflammation, and environmental enteropathy. These factors contribute to long-term nutritional deficiencies, stunting, and impaired cognitive development. This narrative review discusses how rotavirus-induced gut dysfunction affects nutrient absorption and growth while highlighting the role of vaccination in reducing its impact. The introduction of rotavirus vaccines under India’s Universal Immunization Programme has markedly increased hospitalizations and mortality, yet regional disparities and limited coverage persist. Understanding the relation between infection, malnutrition, and developmental outcomes emphasizes the need for integrated approaches that combine immunization, nutrition, and sanitation to enhance child health and development.
Mishra et al. (Thu,) studied this question.