Developments in the Treatment of Rotaviral Gastroenteritis: Oral Therapy with Immunoglobulins and Prospects for a Vaccine

A phage-displayed peptide can inhibit infection by white spot syndrome virus of shrimp

White spot disease, caused by white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), results in devastating losses to the shrimp farming industry around the world, and no effective treatments have been found. Control focuses on exclusion of the virus from culture ponds but, once introduced, spread is often rapid and uncontrollable. The purpose of this study was to select a phage-displayed peptide that might be able to prevent WSSV infection. A 10-mer phage display peptide library (titre 7.2 x 10(7)) was constructed and screened against immobilized WSSV. Selected peptides were assessed for specificity and efficiency of inhibition of virus infection. Of four peptides that specifically bound to WSSV one, designated 2E6, had a high specificity and blocked virus infection, with the possible critical motif for virus inhibition being VAVNNSY. The results suggest that peptide 2E6 has potential for exploitation as an antiviral peptide drug.

Rotavirus and other viral causes of gastroenteritis

Diarrheal diseases are a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide. Viruses are the leading cause of diarrhea, and rotavirus is the major cause of severe dehydrating diarrhea in both developed and developing countries. Children with viral gastroenteritis generally present with watery non-bloody diarrhea, often with vomiting and low grade fever. Disease is self-limited and treatment is simple--fluid and electrolyte replacement, preferably via the oral route, with early refeeding. While various adjunctive therapies, such as bismuth subsalicylate and oral immunoglobulins, appear promising, they cannot be routinely recommended at this time. Prevention is the key: by good personal hygiene--particularly good handwashing, by maintaining safe water supplies, and in the future, by an effective rotavirus vaccine.