Rotavirus Research Paper

Rotavirus is the leading cause of diarrhea among infants and small children. It is the severe inflammation of the stomach and intestines and it is highly contagious; it can be spread easily through contact. Once the rotavirus enters your body, the first, second, and third line of defense kicks in and starts to defend your body from the foreign substance. The first line of defense includes the skin, cilia, tears, stomach and mucous membranes. Because the rotavirus is contagious, you will most likely obtain it when you touch the doorknob which means your hand will be the first to try and prevent the pathogen from further entering your body. The skin tries to retain fluid and protect against disease. It is a mechanical barrier that can secrete
Gastric juices, saliva and tears contain enzymes that destroy microorganisms. When the first line of defense fails to complete its task, the second line of defense takes over where the phagocytes engulf the rotavirus cells and attempt to destroy it with enzymes. Neutrophils are a type of phagocyte and when they sense an infection, they quickly migrate to the site and begin attacking the invading species. They are a type of white blood cell. The natural killer cells release chemicals into the infected rotavirus that will destroy its cell nucleus. Inflammatory responses are triggered when tissues are damaged and they try to dispose cell debris and pathogens. They set the stage for repair. The first and second line of defense are types of non-specific defense. Specific defense, or the third line of defense, is also known as the immune system and it defends the body based on specific types of pathogens in the body. Unlike the previous two defenses, the third defense needs to first be exposed to the disease before it can protect the body against anything. It includes the lymph nodes, and lymphoid organs. Because the rotavirus attacks the stomach and intestines, the immune system will attack the antigens through the spleen and peyer’s