​Infectious Diseases and Microbiology - Acute Gastroenteritis (Noroviruses)

​Infectious Diseases and Microbiology - Acute Gastroenteritis  (Noroviruses) 
Acute Gastroenteritis 
In the US, noroviruses, which are members of the calicivirus family, are most frequently responsible for acute gastroenteritis in elderly adults and children. Noroviruses spread through the fecal-oral pathway. Ingestion of tainted food or water, close contact between individuals, and contact with environmental surfaces are all linked to norovirus outbreaks.

The symptoms of acute gastroenteritis include fever, cramping in the abdomen, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. The norovirus has a brief incubation period (mean of 24 hours) and a 1-2 day sickness duration. In most cases, diarrhea is liquid and free of mucous or blood.

Enterocytes are directly harmed by norovirus infection of the small intestine. The pathology caused by norovirus causes a temporary malabsorption of nutrients and water, as well as a decrease in stomach motility, which ultimately results in diarrhea and vomiting.

PCR is used to identify norovirus in ambient or clinical samples.A vaccine or specialized therapy for norovirus infection is not available. Hand washing is a successful preventative strategy.