Norovirus in benign convulsions with mild gastroenteritis

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Virology

Background:

• Benign convulsions with gastroenteritis (CwG) are afebrile seizures linked to gastrointestinal illness.
• Rotavirus was a historically common cause, but vaccine introduction may alter associated pathogens.
• The study investigates current viral causes of CwG.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the current viral etiology of convulsions with gastroenteritis (CwG).
• To identify common viral pathogens associated with CwG in hospitalized children.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 50 patients hospitalized for CwG (November 2012 - May 2015).
• Stool sample analysis using RT-PCR (norovirus, astrovirus) and EIA (rotavirus, adenovirus).
• Clinical data collected via chart review.

Main Results:

• Causative viruses detected in 38 of 46 tested patients.
• Norovirus was the most frequent pathogen (29 cases), followed by rotavirus and adenovirus (4 each).
• Norovirus prevalence peaked in November and December; no correlation between seizure frequency and clinical/lab values.

Conclusions:

• Norovirus is a prevalent pathogen in children with convulsions with gastroenteritis.
• Identifying viral associations aids in the clinical recognition and management of CwG.