Table 2.
Characteristics of viruses that commonly cause gastroenteritis in humans
| Virus (family) | Size and structure | Genome composition | Classification | Epidemiology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rotaviruses (Reoviridae) |
75 nm, triple-layered, wheel-shaped |
11 segments of dsRNA totalling 18.5 kb |
Groups A–G Within group A subgroups, G and P types |
Endemic in children, winter outbreaks in temperate climates, small epidemics in the elderly |
| Caliciviruses (Caliciviridae) |
About 30 nm, surface cup-shaped |
ssRNA, 7.7 kb | Two genera Noroviruses Sapoviruses |
Epidemics in all age groups |
| Enteric adenoviruses (Adenoviridae) |
About 70 nm, icosahedral |
dsDNA, 36 kb | Group F serotypes 40, 41 | Endemic in children |
| Astroviruses (Astroviridae) |
About 30 nm, star-like appearance | ssRNA, 6.8 kb | Eight serotypes/genotypes | Epidemics in children and adults |