Viruses
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- Rotavirus was by far the most common pathogen causing gastroenteritis in children (estimated to cause up to 60% of all cases [3, 8] in countries without vaccination).
- Norovirus is now the leading cause in countries where rotavirus vaccination is established
- Adenovirus, astrovirus, and calicivirus may also be responsible.
Bacteria / protozoa
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- Campylobacter and salmonella species, and protozoal infections such as cryptosporidium may also cause gastroenteritis.
It is not necessary to identify a pathogen in the vast majority of cases; hence routine stool cultures are not required.