Viral childhood gastroenteritis.

Viruses were detected in 150 hospitalized subjects with gastroenteritis during the years 1983-1984. The samples were collected on admission in the day care unit and after three and seven days. The research was carried out using electron microscopy (E.M.) and isolation in cell cultures in vitro. Faecal samples were also collected from 70 control subjects. Observed and/or isolated viruses were identified by structural features at E.M. and by typical cytopathic effects in cultures. Rotavirus and not cultivable adenovirus proved the most widespread agents in the aetiology of acute viral gastroenteritis in infants.