Pathogenesis
Rotaviruses replicate predominately in the cytoplasm
of differentiated small intestinal villous epithelial cells
(Buller and Moxley 1988) and in cecal or colonic epithelial
cells (Collins et al. 1989; Theil et al. 1978; Ward
et al. 1996b). The jejunum and ileum of the small
intestine are most affected. Rotavirus antigens were
observed in nearly all villous epithelial cells in the
jejunum and ileum and in a few epithelial cells on
villous tips in the duodenum at 12–48 hours postinoculation
(Figure 43.3) (Collins et al. 1989; Saif 1999; Shaw
et al. 1989; Stevenson 1990; Theil et al. 1978; Ward
et al. 1996b).