Which of the following viral infections is a common cause of gastroenteritis?

Rotavirus is a leading cause of gastroenteritis, particularly in infants and young children. It is well-known for causing severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration, often leading to hospitalizations. The virus is transmitted via the fecal-oral route and can spread easily in settings such as daycare centers. There are vaccines available that have significantly reduced the incidence of rotavirus infections, highlighting its importance as a common agent in viral gastroenteritis.

In contrast, Hepatitis A primarily affects the liver rather than causing gastroenteritis symptoms, though it can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms as part of its clinical presentation. Herpes Simplex Virus is associated more with oral and genital infections rather than specifically causing gastroenteritis. Influenza, while it can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, predominantly presents as a respiratory illness characterized by fever, cough, and body aches. Thus, rotavirus stands out as the quintessential viral pathogen responsible for gastroenteritis.