rotavirus /rō′təvī″rəs/ , a double-stranded ribonucleic acid virus that appears as a tiny wheel, with a clearly defined outer layer, or rim, and an inner layer of spokes. The virus replicates in the epithelial cells of the intestine and is a cause of acute gastroenteritis with diarrhea, particularly in infants. Rotavirus is the most common cause worldwide of severe diarrheal illness in children, with fecal-oral transmission. Various strains also infect domestic and wild animals. In the United States, infections tend to peak during the winter months. Rotavirus vaccines are available.
