Acute diarrheal infections in infants. I. Epidemiology, Treatment, and prospects for immunoprophylaxis.

Epidemiologic differences that appear to be geographic or climatic actually relate more closely to socioeconomics and sanitation. Regardless of etiology, the major management problems are those of dehydration and its sequelae. Progress toward development of antibacterial and antiviral vaccines is discussed. Next month the viral and bacterial agents that cause diarrheal infections will be reviewed.