Question

Case
Complaint:
Five children from the same school presented with abdominal pain and diarrhea (streaked with blood) over a period of 3 days. Upon investigation it was found that those children had recently been in birthday party. Fecal specimen was collected and sent to microbiology lab. Lab report showed presence of pus cells on direct microscopy and non motile bacteria on motility test.

Clinical History: The children are usually healthy. They take no regular medications

- Identify a virus cause diarrhea with possibility of developing flaccid paralysis?

a) Polioviruses
b) rotavirus

With an explanation of the reason

Answer 1

b) Rotavirus

all the symptoms show that the children are suffering from rotavirus infection. It is a very contagious virus and is one of the most common cause for diarrhea in children along with abdominal pain. This virus tends to cause excess of dehydration and hence leads to diarrhea. Upon exposure to the virus, the symptoms tend to start appearing after two days. After 3 to 8 days of the virus infection, it causes watery diarrhea with blood streak and presence of pus cells. There are other symptoms like dry mouth, less urination, unresponsive as the diarrhea is accompanied by the flaccid paralysis. Due to the weakness and affect on the muscles, it can also tend to flaccid paralysis.