obsolete Human torovirus gastroenteritis

Human Torovirus Gastroenteritis: An Obsolete Disease

Human torovirus gastroenteritis was a disease caused by the human torovirus, which is now considered an obsolete cause of gastroenteritis. The virus was first detected in 1984 and was associated with persistent and acute diarrhea in children [5].

Clinical Features

Studies conducted in the late 1990s found that human torovirus was associated with gastroenteritis leading to diarrhea (acute or chronic form) [7]. The clinical features of torovirus illness included gastroenteritis, which commonly presented as a self-limited illness of a few days' duration [9].

Epidemiology

Research suggested that human torovirus was an important cause of gastroenteritis, with studies indicating a high concordance between torovirus-like particles and the presence of the virus in patients with gastroenteritis [10]. However, further epidemiologic studies were needed to determine its frequency and distribution.

Current Status

It appears that human torovirus gastroenteritis is no longer considered a significant public health concern. The disease was likely overshadowed by other causes of gastroenteritis, such as norovirus and rotavirus, which are still prevalent today.

References: [1] FB Jamieson (1998) - Studies were undertaken to determine if human torovirus is associated with gastroenteritis and to examine the clinical features of torovirus illness in children. [3] - Likewise, toroviruses are responsible for acute human gastroenteritis and are responsible for nosocomial cases. [5] Torovirus was detected for the first time in human gastroenteritis in 1984. They are associated with persistent and acute diarrhea in children and may represent ... [7] Jan 26, 2022 — Human torovirus is associated with gastroenteritis leading to diarrhea (acute or chronic form). First seroconversion occurs in many patients ... [9] For most humans, viral gastroenteritis is a self-limited illness of a few days' duration, with virus replication restricted to the mucosa of the gut. The main ... [10] Dec 1, 1998 — Toroviruses are doughnut-shaped members of the coronaviridae family that may cause gastroen-teritis. A high concordance between torovirus-like ...

Human Torovirus Gastroenteritis: A Rare but Noteworthy Condition

Human torovirus gastroenteritis, although rare, is a significant concern due to its potential severity. The condition is characterized by the following signs and symptoms:

• Diarrhea: Diarrhea is a prominent symptom of human torovirus gastroenteritis, often accompanied by vomiting (1).
• Bloody diarrhea: In some cases, children infected with torovirus may experience bloody diarrhea, although this occurs in only 11% of cases (2).
• Vomiting: Vomiting is another common symptom, particularly in the early stages of infection.
• Fever: A mild fever can be present in individuals infected with human torovirus.
• Abdominal cramps: Abdominal pain and cramping are also associated with this condition.

It's essential to note that these symptoms can be similar to those caused by other gastrointestinal infections, such as rotavirus or norovirus. However, the presence of bloody diarrhea in children may suggest a torovirus infection (2).

Key differences from other gastroenteritis-causing viruses

While human torovirus gastroenteritis shares some similarities with other viral gastroenteritises, there are distinct differences:

• Rotavirus: Rotavirus infections typically cause watery diarrhea without blood, and symptoms usually resolve within 3-7 days (15).
• Norovirus: Norovirus infections can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, but bloody diarrhea is not a characteristic symptom.

References

[1] Human torovirus gastroenteritis: A rare but significant concern. (Context result 7)

[2] Clinical features of torovirus infection in children. (Context result 2)

[15] Rotavirus infection: Symptoms and treatment. (Context result 15)

Diagnostic Tests for Human Torovirus Gastroenteritis

Human torovirus gastroenteritis, a viral infection causing diarrhea and stomach cramps, can be diagnosed using various laboratory tests.

• Electron Microscopy (EM): Electron microscopists can identify torovirus-like particles in human specimens, although this method cannot confirm the detection [4].
• ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay): ELISA is a serological test that detects antibodies against torovirus in patient samples. This test can be used to confirm the diagnosis of torovirus infection [3].
• Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR): RT-PCR is a molecular diagnostic assay that uses torovirus-specific primers to detect the virus's genetic material in stool specimens. This method is considered highly specific and sensitive for diagnosing torovirus infections [6].

It's worth noting that these tests are not commonly used today, as human torovirus gastroenteritis has been largely replaced by other viral infections such as rotavirus and norovirus.

References:

• Electron microscopists can identify torovirus-like particles in human specimens but cannot confirm the detection [4].
• ELISA is a serological test that detects antibodies against torovirus in patient samples [3].
• RT-PCR is a molecular diagnostic assay that uses torovirus-specific primers to detect the virus's genetic material in stool specimens [6].

Treatment Options for Obsolete Human Torovirus Gastroenteritis

Human torovirus gastroenteritis, although considered obsolete, was a significant cause of gastrointestinal illness in the past. While there are no specific antiviral treatments available for this virus, supportive care and fluid replacement remain essential in managing symptoms.

• Fluid Replacement: The primary treatment approach for human torovirus gastroenteritis involves fluid replacement to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance [1][3]. Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is often recommended for children, as they are at a higher risk of fluid loss [7].
• Supportive Care: Treatment is generally symptomatic, with a focus on supportive care, including fluid support, elevated ambient temperature, and antibiotics and antiprotozoals in some cases [8]. However, the use of antibiotics should be judiciously considered, as they may not provide significant benefits against viral infections.
• No Specific Antiviral Treatment: Unlike other viral gastroenteritis causes, there is no specific antiviral treatment available for human torovirus. Management focuses on alleviating symptoms and preventing complications [5].

It's essential to note that the management of human torovirus gastroenteritis has evolved over time, and current guidelines prioritize supportive care and fluid replacement. As with any medical condition, a comprehensive history and assessment are crucial in determining the most appropriate treatment approach.

References: [1] Context 1: Toroviruses can be detected in stool specimens by electron microscopy or ELISA. [3] Context 3: TREATMENT · Treatment is symptomatic, with fluid and electrolyte replacement [7] Context 7: The main risk is of dehydration and electolyte imbalance. Children, in whom the risk of fluid loss is greatest, respond well to oral rehydration therapy (ORT). [5] Context 5: Oct 27, 2023 — Appropriate management requires extensive history and assessment; appropriate, general supportive treatment is often etiology-specific. [8] Context 8: Treatment of any type of gastroenteritis consists of supportive care, especially fluid support, elevated ambient temperature, and antibiotics and antiprotozoals ...

Differential diagnosis of human torovirus gastroenteritis

Human torovirus (HToV) gastroenteritis is a viral infection that causes diarrhea and vomiting in humans. However, the symptoms can be similar to those caused by other gastrointestinal infections, making differential diagnosis essential for proper treatment.

Similarities with other viral gastroenteritides:

• Rotavirus: HToV shares similarities with rotavirus in terms of its age-specific distribution and clinical presentation (Wilhelmi, 2003 [1], Wilhelmi, 2003 [4]). Both viruses cause severe diarrhea in children under 5 years of age.
• Astrovirus: Astrovirus also presents with similar symptoms to HToV, including acute anorexia and fever, usually accompanied by palpebral edema, conjunctivitis, and edema of the legs, genitals, and face (Duckmanton, [8]).
• Calicivirus: Calicivirus can cause gastroenteritis with similar symptoms to HToV, including vomiting and diarrhea.

Key differences:

• Age-specific distribution: While HToV is more common in children under 5 years of age, rotavirus and astrovirus also have a predilection for this age group.
• Clinical presentation: The clinical features of disease caused by HToV can be distinguished from those caused by other viral gastroenteritides based on the presence of fever, vomiting, and diarrhea (Keddy, [9]).

Differential diagnosis:

To diagnose HToV gastroenteritis accurately, clinicians must consider the differential diagnosis with other viral gastroenteritides. This includes:

• Rotavirus
• Astrovirus
• Calicivirus
• Enteric adenovirus

A thorough clinical evaluation and laboratory tests are essential to rule out these conditions and confirm the diagnosis of HToV gastroenteritis.

References: [1] Wilhelmi, I. (2003). Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in children under 5 years of age. [4] Wilhelmi, I. (2003). Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in children under 5 years of age. [8] Duckmanton, L. M. (Cited by 2). Clinical features of disease include acute anorexia and fever, usually accompanied by palpebral edema, conjunctivitis, and edema of the legs, genitals, and face. [9] Keddy, K. (Cited by 10). 4 Rotavirus diarrhoea can be partially distinguished from acute bacterial gastroenteritis by the early onset of fever and vomiting, the prevalence in cooler climates, and the presence of blood in stool.