Which virus in the Reoviridae group causes gastroenteritis in infants and young children?

The virus from the Reoviridae family that is known to cause gastroenteritis in infants and young children is Rotavirus. This virus is particularly significant in pediatric medicine, as it can lead to severe diarrhea, dehydration, and other gastrointestinal symptoms in this age group. Rotavirus is transmitted via the fecal-oral route and is highly contagious, often leading to outbreaks in settings like daycare centers.

In addition to its role in gastrointestinal illness, Rotavirus has a well-developed vaccine, which has significantly reduced the incidence of severe gastroenteritis among vaccinated populations. The disease commonly arises in infants and children under five years old, making it a critical public health concern.

Other viruses listed do not primarily cause gastroenteritis. For instance, Coxsackie viruses can result in hand, foot, and mouth disease, while respiratory syncytial virus primarily impacts the respiratory system, leading to illnesses such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children. Lastly, Rhabdoviruses, as represented by the rabies virus, are not associated with gastroenteritis and instead affect the nervous system.