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Researchers find key to stopping deadly infection

New research from Washington University School of Medicine identifies a key step in rotavirus infection and shows that disabling this process can prevent infection. The discovery opens up new avenues for therapeutic intervention, potentially treating not only rotavirus but also other pathogens with similar infection mechanisms.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2025

Antibodies in breast milk provide protection against common GI virus

A study by researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that high levels of specific antibodies in breast milk provide protection against rotavirus, a common gastrointestinal disease. The findings highlight the importance of optimized breastfeeding practices to improve infant health globally.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 1, 2024

Research shows infants exposed to certain biologics during pregnancy can safely receive rotavirus vaccine

A Canadian study found that infants exposed to biologic agents during pregnancy have normal immune development and can safely receive the rotavirus vaccine. The study, involving 191 infants across six sites in Canada, aimed to change vaccination guidelines to protect more babies from severe illness.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeObservational study·DateNov 23, 2023

Artificial intelligence reveals a never-before described 3D structure in rotavirus spike protein

Scientists employed artificial intelligence to determine the 3D structure of the VP8* B domain in group B rotavirus, a crucial step towards understanding its interaction with host cells and developing new treatments. The newly described structure reveals unique sugar recognition capabilities, distinct from other rotaviruses.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

Dose-finding trial paves way for new rotavirus vaccine to prevent a deadly diarrheal disease from birth

A phase 2 clinical trial found that the Australian-developed neonatal rotavirus vaccine RV3-BB was safe and produced a robust immune response in African babies. The reduced dose of the vaccine generated an equivalent immune response as the highest dose, offering opportunities to reduce vaccine manufacturing costs.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 3, 2022

It takes cellular teamwork to heal the intestine

Researchers uncover intricate cellular response to rotavirus damage in intestinal epithelium, finding tuft cells contribute to repair process through production of immature enterocytes. The study provides new understanding of gut healing mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2021

Biomedical sciences researchers find new way to prevent and cure rotavirus, other viral infections

Biomedical researchers at Georgia State University have identified a novel method for eradicating rotavirus and other viral infections using interleukin-18 and interleukin-22. The study shows that these cytokines can rapidly and completely eliminate viruses from intestinal epithelial cells, even in compromised immune systems.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalScience Immunology·DateOct 2, 2020

Rotavirus infection may turn on type 1 diabetes

A new study suggests that rotavirus infection may trigger the development of type 1 diabetes. Researchers found a significant decrease in the incidence of type 1 diabetes in Australian children under four years old after the introduction of rotavirus vaccination.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 10, 2019

Lower risk of Type 1 diabetes seen in children vaccinated against 'stomach flu' virus

A new study shows that children who received all doses of the rotavirus vaccine had a 33% lower risk of getting diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The study, published in Scientific Reports, used nationwide health insurance data and found that the vaccine was associated with a 94% lower rate of hospitalization for rotavirus infection.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 13, 2019

Human microbiome influences rotavirus vaccine response

A proof-of-concept study found that antibiotic treatment prior to vaccination increased viral shedding in healthy adult men, while narrow-spectrum antibiotics showed a slight increase in early vaccine boosting. The results suggest a potential correlation between the microbiome and vaccine performance.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateAug 8, 2018

Rotavirus vaccines continue to reduce diarrhea hospitalizations, medical costs in US kids

New study confirms the sustained impact of rotavirus vaccination in reducing diarrhea hospitalizations among US children under 5, with estimated savings of $1.2 billion in direct medical costs. Researchers found that hospitalization rates decreased by between 31-55% following routine vaccine introduction in 2006.

SourcePediatric Infectious Diseases Society·JournalJournal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society·DateAug 10, 2017

Reverse genetics for rotavirus

Researchers at Osaka University developed a plasmid-based reverse genetics system to study rotavirus invasion and replication. The system allowed them to mutate a key protein, NSP1, and decrease viral replication.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2017

Defective gene renders diarrhea vaccine ineffective

A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases reveals that up to four out of ten children in Burkina Faso are genetically resistant to rotavirus strains found in existing vaccines. Children who cannot express the Lewis molecule, a sugar molecule needed as a receptor for the virus, do not become infected and therefore do not rec...

SourceLinköping University·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateOct 14, 2014