From the Research
Effect of Viral Gastroenteritis on Intestinal Peristalsis
- Viral gastroenteritis can cause inflammation and irritation of the lining of the stomach and intestines, leading to common signs and symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and dehydration 1.
- The condition can be caused by various viruses, including rotavirus, norovirus, and adenovirus, which can affect both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals 1, 2.
- Viral gastroenteritis can lead to intensified peristalsis, elevation of the intraluminal gut pressure, hypovolemia, and hemoconcentration, which may trigger ischemic colitis resulting in bloody diarrhea 3.
- The exact effect of viral gastroenteritis on intestinal peristalsis is not fully understood, but it is believed that the condition can cause changes in gut motility and secretion, leading to diarrhea and other symptoms 4, 5.
- Further studies are needed to clarify the incidence of ischemic colitis in patients with viral gastroenteritis and to understand the exact mechanisms by which the condition affects intestinal peristalsis 3.
Key Findings
- Norovirus is a prevalent cause of viral gastroenteritis, particularly among adults 5.
- Viral gastroenteritis can cause a range of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, anorexia, and weight loss 5.
- The condition can be diagnosed using laboratory tests, such as the BioFire® FilmArray® multiplex polymerase chain reaction for gastrointestinal pathogens 5.
- Histopathological findings in patients with viral gastroenteritis may include inflammation, ulceration, erosion, architectural distortion, and viral inclusion bodies 5, 3.