Rotavirus encephalopathy: Pathogenesis reviewed

Two cases of rotavirus gastroenteritis associated with neurological involve ment, one with encephalitis (defined by abnormal neurological signs, cerebr ospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis and detection of rotavirus genomic nucleic acid in the CSF) and one with a non-inflammatory encephalopathy (defined by abnormal neurological signs, an entirely normal CSF and detection of rotav irus genomic nucleic acid in the CSF), are presented and used as a basis to review and explore potential pathogenetic mechanisms, including direct vir al replication within neurons and indirect effects of the newly described r otavirus 'enterotoxin'.