Gastrointestinal viruses

Abstract This chapter provides for the reader a summary of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of rotavirus and norovirus infections. It goes on to explain the mechanisms of enterocyte destruction, malabsorption, and hyperosmotic diarrhoea. It then discusses the routes of faecal–oral and aerosol transmission. Clinical features, including vomiting, watery diarrhoea, and dehydration, are described. The chapter then continues by outlining the key diagnostic methods, as well as the principles of supportive treatment and infection prevention measures for institutional outbreaks. All of the information maps to the RCEM Basic Sciences syllabus, making it relevant to Emergency Medicine practice and the examination.