Rotaviruses and emerging picornaviruses as aetiological agents of acute gastroenteritis

It is estimated that up to 40% of acute gastroenteritis cases are undiagnosed. Rotavirus is a primary aetiological agent, so the introduction of vaccines into the national immunisation programmes of many countries, including South Africa, has shown promise in reducing the burden of disease and decreasing hospital admissions. Recently, several novel viruses have been isolated in association with gastroenteritis, although their epidemiology and clinical signifcance are poorly understood. This article highlights the importance of rotavirus in diarrhoeal disease. A review is provided of the molecular biology of emerging pathogens in the Picornavirus family.