Rotavirus (Double Stranded RNA) Mnemonic

This virus is in the family of reoviridae.

Rotavirus is a non-enveloped virus, also called a naked virus. Many viruses have envelopes, which are outer membranes that cover their protein capsids that help to enter host cells. However, because rotaviruses are non-enveloped, their capsids are responsible for attaching to host cells.

This virus has a double-stranded genome as opposed to single-stranded.

Rotavirus is an RNA virus, meaning its genetic code consists of ribonucleic acid, as opposed to deoxyribonucleic acid.

This genome is linear as opposed to circular.

Rotavirus contains a segmented genome of 11 segments. Each gene segment encodes for one protein, except segment 9, which codes for two.

The RNA genome is surrounded by a triple icosahedral protein capsid.

Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children. By five years of age, nearly every child in the world has been infected with rotavirus at least once. With each infection, immunity develops and following infections are less severe.

The virus is transmitted via fecal-oral route and damages the lining of the small intestine, leading to villous atrophy.

Incidence of rotavirus disease is higher in the winter months.

Incidence of rotavirus disease is higher in day care centers due to increased fecal oral contamination.

Management of rotavirus diarrhea includes oral rehydration therapy.