Viral diarrhea. Etiology and control

In this presentation the authors have attempted to outline the state of the art concerning the viral diarrheas. Although great progress has been made in defining the etiology of viral diarrhea, the role of these agents in the total picture of diarrhea in malnourished populations is not known. A new practical technique, the ELISA, has been developed that will enable laboratories pursuing such studies in developing countries to determine the importance of the human rotavirus as an etiological agent of diarrhea in infants and young chilren. If the rotavirus is indeed a major etiologic agent of diarrheal illnesses in developing countries there is great promise that the interventions outlined can have considerable impact in reducing mortality and morbidity in malnourished populations.