This episode explores the reoviruses, a family of non-enveloped double-stranded RNA viruses with segmented genomes. Drawing from Murray’s Chapter 51, it focuses primarily on rotavirus, a leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children.

Reoviruses are structurally distinctive: they possess multiple protein layers forming a double capsid shell that protects the segmented RNA genome. Because double-stranded RNA is a potent trigger of innate immune responses, replication occurs within partially intact capsids in the cytoplasm, shielding viral RNA from detection.

The segmented genome permits reassortment, contributing to strain variation.

Clinically, rotavirus infection results in:

* Profuse watery diarrhoea

* Vomiting

* Dehydration

* Severe disease in infants

Vaccination has significantly reduced hospitalisations and mortality globally.

Conceptually, reoviruses demonstrate structural protection and genomic segmentation as tools of persistence and epidemiologic adaptability.

Key Takeaways

* Reoviruses are non-enveloped double-stranded RNA viruses

* Possess layered capsid structure

* Rotavirus is a major cause of paediatric gastroenteritis

* Genome segmentation enables reassortment

* Vaccination reduces disease burden

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