Viral gastrointestinal syndrome in our environment

• Main Authors: Patić A., Milošević V., Hrnjaković-Cvjetković I., Petrović V., Šeguljev Z., Stefan-Mikić S., Kovačević G., Radovanov J., Elez I., Jovanović-Galović A., Đilas M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of Belgrade, University of Novi Sad 2014-01-01
• Series: Archives of Biological Sciences
• Subjects: Gastroenteritis; rotavirus; norovirus; astrovirus; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
• Online Access: http://www.doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/0354-4664/2014/0354-46641401029P.pdf

Viral gastrointestinal syndrome is a cause of morbidity and death worldwide. Infection is spread through contact with an infected person, as well as through contaminated food and water. A lethal outcome is possible in infants and young children due to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. The study included 141 patients with gastroenteritis from Vojvodina. Real-Time PCR method in stool samples was used to determine the presence of rota-, noro-, and astrovirus nucleic acid. Out of 141 patients with gastroenteritis, 60.3% were confirmed to have one of the three viruses. Rotavirus was significantly more common in children up to 3 years of age (43.3%). Norovirus was more frequently detected in patients older than 20 (50%). These infections started in collectives. Astrovirus was detected in four patients (2.8%). The results confirm the necessity to implement PCR in routine diagnostics for the proper treatment of patients.