A 3-year-old who experienced vomiting and diarrhea should have a stool sample tested for which virus?

A 3-year-old who experienced vomiting and diarrhea should have a stool sample tested for which virus?

• A. CMV
• B. EBV
• C. Hepatitis D
• D. Rotavirus

Answer: (D)

When considering a 3-year-old child who has experienced vomiting and diarrhea, testing for rotavirus is particularly relevant. Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in young children globally. It spreads easily, primarily through the fecal-oral route, and can cause watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. The signs and symptoms typically manifest within one to three days after exposure to the virus, which aligns with the gastrointestinal symptoms presented by the child. Stool testing for rotavirus is important for several reasons. First, it helps confirm the diagnosis, which can guide treatment decisions and preventive measures. Second, understanding the cause of diarrhea and vomiting is crucial for managing hydration status and addressing potential complications like dehydration, which can be particularly dangerous in young children. In contrast, while cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can cause illnesses in children, they are less commonly associated with the acute gastroenteritis symptoms reflected in this scenario. Similarly, Hepatitis D primarily affects the liver and does not typically present with vomiting and diarrhea as a first line of symptoms in children. Therefore, focusing on rotavirus testing is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of the child's acute illness.

When considering a 3-year-old child who has experienced vomiting and diarrhea, testing for rotavirus is particularly relevant. Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in young children globally. It spreads easily, primarily through the fecal-oral route, and can cause watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. The signs and symptoms typically manifest within one to three days after exposure to the virus, which aligns with the gastrointestinal symptoms presented by the child.

Stool testing for rotavirus is important for several reasons. First, it helps confirm the diagnosis, which can guide treatment decisions and preventive measures. Second, understanding the cause of diarrhea and vomiting is crucial for managing hydration status and addressing potential complications like dehydration, which can be particularly dangerous in young children.

In contrast, while cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can cause illnesses in children, they are less commonly associated with the acute gastroenteritis symptoms reflected in this scenario. Similarly, Hepatitis D primarily affects the liver and does not typically present with vomiting and diarrhea as a first line of symptoms in children. Therefore, focusing on rotavirus testing is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of the child's acute illness.