PathologyLesson 4 of 6 in the course Digestive System Infections

Viral Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis: Transmission, Disease, and Prevention

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Viral gastroenteritis is an infection that inflames the gastrointestinal tract and commonly causes diarrhea and vomiting. It can be mild, but fluid loss can make it dangerous, particularly for young children and people with limited access to clean water or medical care.

Several viruses can cause gastroenteritis. Many spread by the fecal–oral route: virus from feces reaches another person’s mouth, often through contaminated hands, food, water, or surfaces. Close contact and inadequate sanitation can make transmission easier.

All flashcards

What is viral gastroenteritis?
Inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by a virus, often producing diarrhea and vomiting.
What genome does rotavirus have?
Rotavirus has a double-stranded RNA genome.
Which intestinal cells does rotavirus primarily infect?
Epithelial cells lining the small-intestinal villi.
How long is the typical incubation period for norovirus?
Symptoms commonly begin 12–48 hours after exposure.
What does hepatitis D require to replicate?
Hepatitis D requires hepatitis B virus.

Quiz questions

  1. When do norovirus symptoms commonly begin after exposure?Answer: 12–48 hours later
  2. What causes jaundice in viral hepatitis?Answer: Accumulation of bilirubin
  3. How is hepatitis A commonly transmitted?Answer: By the fecal–oral route, often through contaminated food or water
  4. What must be present for hepatitis D to replicate?Answer: Hepatitis B virus
  5. At what age is chronic hepatitis B infection most likely to follow infection?Answer: During infancy

Based on Microbiology by Nina Parker, Mark Schneegurt, Anh-Hue Thi Tu, Philip Lister, Brian M. Forster (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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