ABSTRACT
WORLDWIDE IMPORTANCE OF AN EFFECTIVE ROTAVIRUS VACCINE Diarrheal diseases are among the most common illnesses of mankind and the first or second most common cause of death, hospitalization, and doctor visits among children worldwide (1,2). They almost always result from infection, and over the past three decades, more than 25 distinct infectious agents have been identified as etiologic agents of diarrheal diseases. For most children, episodes of diarrhea are self-limiting, the disease is mild, and recovery occurs within several days. However, in some children, the disease can be severe, progressively leading to dehydration, hospitalization, and death. Of the many diarrheal illnesses, rotavirus has been identified as the most common cause of severe diarrhea in children.
