VIRAL-INFECTIONS OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL-TRACT

Viral gastroenteritis is an important global problem that is being act ively investigated. This year, stimulating new concepts regarding path ogenesis and immunity of the major viral pathogen of the gastrointesti nal tract, rotavirus, were reported. In addition, highly promising res ults from phase 3 viral vaccine trials suggest that an effective vacci ne for rotavirus will be available in the next several years, The rang e and diversity of human caliciviruses continues to be defined as more isolates are characterized. The ability to produce recombinant virus- like particles of human caliciviruses has enhanced diagnostic capabili ty and enabled more extensive epidemiologic studies. The roles that hu man astrovirus, adenovirus, and newer agents, such as Aichi virus, pla y in diarrheal disease continue to be investigated.