Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 1, 2026

A High-throughput Platform for the Screening of Salmonella spp./Shigella spp.
06:55

A High-throughput Platform for the Screening of Salmonella spp./Shigella spp.

Published on: November 7, 2018

First description of gastroenteritis viruses in Lebanese children: a pilot study

Randa Meraabi Al-Ali1, Wassim Chehadeh, Monzer Hamze

  • 1Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and its Applications, Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon.

Journal of Infection and Public Health
|June 14, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Rotavirus and norovirus are key causes of severe gastroenteritis in Lebanese children. This study highlights the need for routine norovirus screening in clinical settings to improve diagnosis and care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Virology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Human enteric viruses are a significant cause of acute gastroenteritis in children.
  • Severe gastroenteritis frequently necessitates hospitalization, particularly in infants and young children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and role of specific enteric viruses (rotaviruses, adenoviruses, human caliciviruses, astroviruses) in severe acute gastroenteritis requiring hospitalization.
  • To determine the etiological agents responsible for severe gastroenteritis in hospitalized infants and young children in North Lebanon.

Main Methods:

  • Stool specimens were collected from 79 hospitalized infants and children with severe acute gastroenteritis between April and May 2010.
  • Samples were screened for enteric viruses using immunoassays and an internally controlled multiplex PCR assay.

Main Results:

  • Rotavirus was detected in 38 (48%) of the samples, identifying it as a major cause of severe gastroenteritis.
  • Norovirus genogroup II was identified in 5 (6%) of the samples.
  • Enteric adenoviruses, sapoviruses, and human astroviruses were not detected in the study population.

Conclusions:

  • Rotavirus and norovirus are significant contributors to severe acute gastroenteritis among children in North Lebanon.
  • Children with rotavirus gastroenteritis were younger than those with norovirus gastroenteritis.
  • Routine screening for norovirus infection is recommended in clinical settings for accurate diagnosis and management of pediatric gastroenteritis.

More Related Videos

Swab Sampling Method for the Detection of Human Norovirus on Surfaces10:03

Swab Sampling Method for the Detection of Human Norovirus on Surfaces

Published on: February 6, 2017

Detection and Genogrouping of Noroviruses from Children's Stools By Taqman One-step RT-PCR15:16

Detection and Genogrouping of Noroviruses from Children's Stools By Taqman One-step RT-PCR

Published on: July 22, 2012

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
Poliomyelitis01:17

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction01:28

Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction

Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
Giardiasis01:12

Giardiasis

Giardiasis is a globally prevalent intestinal infection caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis (also known as G. lamblia or G. intestinalis). This flagellated protozoan is the most frequently identified intestinal parasite in the United States and worldwide. Transmission primarily occurs via the fecal-oral route, with infection arising from ingestion of water or food contaminated with cysts. Individuals in low-resource settings, international travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, daycare...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Investigation of Disease Outbreaks01:23

Investigation of Disease Outbreaks

Multistate foodborne outbreaks pose significant public health risks and require meticulous investigation to identify sources and implement control measures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) utilizes a dynamic seven-step process for these investigations, integrating data from laboratories, interviews, and environmental assessments to protect public health.Outbreak Detection: The detection of multistate outbreaks typically begins with PulseNet, the CDC's national laboratory...