Rotavirus infection primarily affects which age group?

Rotavirus infection primarily affects which age group?

• A. Adults
• B. Neonates
• C. Elderly
• D. 6 months to 2 years

Answer: (D)

Rotavirus gastroenteritis is most common and most severe in young children who have not yet built lasting immunity to multiple strains. The peak occurs around 6 months to 2 years because maternal antibody protection has waned and children are frequently exposed to the virus in settings like daycare, leading to their first symptomatic infections. After early childhood, prior exposures confer partial immunity, so adults and older children typically have milder disease. Neonates may be colonized but often have little or no illness due to maternal antibodies and early protective factors. Therefore, the age group at highest risk for rotavirus infection is 6 months to 2 years.

Rotavirus gastroenteritis is most common and most severe in young children who have not yet built lasting immunity to multiple strains. The peak occurs around 6 months to 2 years because maternal antibody protection has waned and children are frequently exposed to the virus in settings like daycare, leading to their first symptomatic infections. After early childhood, prior exposures confer partial immunity, so adults and older children typically have milder disease. Neonates may be colonized but often have little or no illness due to maternal antibodies and early protective factors. Therefore, the age group at highest risk for rotavirus infection is 6 months to 2 years.