Causative Organisms

Viruses

    • 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

    • 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.