Clinical review outlines diagnostic pathways and supportive treatments for viral gastroenteritis in vulnerable populations, highlighting the need for coordinated interprofessional care.
A common infectious disease caused by rotavirus, norovirus, adenovirus, and astrovirus, viral gastroenteritis is characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, and dehydration. While the disease is typically self-restricting in industrialized nations, it poses significant risks to infants, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals, especially in underdeveloped regions where it remains a significant cause of mortality. Transmission happens primarily via fecal-oral route through contaminated food, water, and surfaces, with outbreaks commonly happening in close-contact settings like daycare centers, nursing homes, as well as cruise ships. The diverse facets of viral gastroenteritis, common etiologic pathogens, and differential diagnoses that should be considered are all covered in this course. Although the advent of vaccinations, particularly for rotavirus, has significantly reduced the disease burden in many countries, viral gastroenteritis still contributes to childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide. In order to prevent complications, treatment focuses on symptom alleviation and hydration. As a result, it is critical that every member of the healthcare team be able to work together in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this common ailment. The purpose of this exercise for medical professionals is to improve their proficiency in identifying viral gastroenteritis, carrying out the recommended assessment, and using the proper interprofessional approach when treating this illness.
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E. et al. (2026) studied this question.
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