Rotavirus Antigen Pcr Stool

Rotavirus antigen test is a stool test used to diagnose a rotavirus infection. Rotavirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis which affects intestines causing vomiting and diarrhea in infants and in children. It can affect adults too. It usually begins acutely and lasts 4-8 days. Rotavirus infections are usually seasonal, mostly infected during winter months. Hence it is also called as winter vomiting disease. Getting vaccinated will prevent most of the infants from severe gastroenteritis. There are two vaccines available which are given by mouth. But this vaccine does not protect infants from diarrhea caused by other germs.

What is Rotavirus?

Rotavirus is a contagious disease which passes from person to person. It can also be transferred by touching the surface contaminated by rotavirus. Hence wash your hands often after contacting an infected person and disinfect the surfaces that have been in contact with stools. This can be spread by sharing food and drinks with an already infected person. It can be dangerous mostly in children because it can lead to dehydration. Dehydration is a condition where the body doesn’t have enough fluids, which happens due to severe diarrhea and vomiting in this case.

Why this test is performed?

This may be recommended if the symptoms of gastroenteritis are seen. They are nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, dry mouth, and dry throat, dizziness, no tears while crying, less urination, fever, abdominal pain, cramps, loss of appetite, etc.

Precautions:

Several factors may affect the rotavirus test results like specimens collected after 8 days or more after the onset of symptoms may not show positive results because there might not be enough rotavirus antigen present. Rotavirus is eliminated within a few days of acute infection.

No specific preparation is required for rotavirus antigen test.