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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
12:32
EPA Method 1615. Measurement of Enterovirus and Norovirus Occurrence in Water by Culture and RT-qPCR. Part III. Virus Detection by RT-qPCR
Published on: January 16, 2016
[The viral gastroenteritis: a public health problem]
Angela Domínguez1, Pere Godoy, Núria Torner
1Departamento de Salud Pública, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, España.
Revista Espanola De Salud Publica
|January 30, 2010
Summary
Acute gastroenteritis (AG) is a significant health issue caused by various viruses. Rotaviruses, astroviruses, adenoviruses, and caliciviruses are common culprits, with norovirus frequently linked to foodborne outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Acute gastroenteritis (AG) presents a substantial global health challenge.
- Viral pathogens are key contributors to AG, impacting all age groups.
- Understanding the epidemiology of viral gastroenteritis is crucial for control.
Purpose:
- To review the prevalence and transmission patterns of major viral agents causing AG.
- To highlight the role of rotaviruses, astroviruses, adenoviruses, and caliciviruses in sporadic cases and outbreaks.
- To emphasize the significance of norovirus in foodborne and waterborne AG outbreaks.
Summary:
- Rotaviruses cause 17.3%–37.4% of sporadic AG cases, with potential for undetected outbreaks.
- Astroviruses account for 2%–26% of GA, causing outbreaks in diverse settings.
- Adenoviruses (40/41) are identified in 0.7%–31.5% of pediatric AG, possibly underreported.
- Caliciviruses, including Norovirus and Sapovirus, are significant causes of AG.
- Norovirus is a leading cause of foodborne AG outbreaks, estimated at 40% of cases.
- Sapovirus outbreaks involve person-to-person and foodborne transmission in various populations.
Impact:
- Informs public health strategies for preventing and managing viral gastroenteritis.
- Highlights the need for improved diagnostics to detect underreported viral causes.
- Underscores the importance of food and water safety in controlling norovirus outbreaks.
- Provides data for targeted interventions and resource allocation in healthcare settings.
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