3257. PCR. Intestinal infections panel. Viruses_6: Norovirus GI, Norovirus GII, Rotavirus A, Adenovirus F (serotype 40/41), Astrovirus, Sapovirus (genogroups 1, 2, 4, 5 (stool, qualitative definition)

The Viral Intestinal Infections Panel is a multiplex real-time PCR test elaborated for the qualitative detection and in vitro differentiation of the six most common viruses that cause acute intestinal infections: rotavirus group A, noroviruses genotypes 1 and 2, astroviruses, adenovirus F, and sapoviruses. These pathogens are the leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants, young children, and adults.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a highly sensitive method that allows for the identification of various strains and genotypes of intestinal viruses in combination with clinical and epidemiological risk factors.

Acute intestinal infection is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by a viral or bacterial infection. In children under 3 years of age, viral agents account for 80-90% of cases, while bacterial agents account for 10-20%; among adults, the proportion of viral pathogens decreases to 30%.

Viral gastroenteritis has an acute onset, with intoxication intensifying within a few hours. The disease typically presents with watery diarrhea (more than 3 loose stools per day), abdominal pain, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Viral gastroenteritis is more common in the fall and winter, while bacterial gastroenteritis is more common in the summer. Transmission occurs through contact with contaminated food, water, dirty hands, toys, floors, and furniture. Acute viral intestinal infections are especially dangerous for children in their first years of life, pregnant women, and the elderly, who can quickly become dehydrated due to diarrhea.

The study identified the following viruses:

• Norovirus GI and GII – the main causative agents of viral gastroenteritis in adults, are extremely contagious, and often cause outbreaks in groups (kindergartens, schools, cruise ships, hospitals);
• Rotavirus A – the most common causative agent of severe diarrhea in children under 5 years of age, especially in unvaccinated children, which may be accompanied by vomiting, dehydration, and fever;
• Adenovirus F (serotypes 40/41) – specific adenovirus serotypes that cause enteritis, primarily in young children;
• Astrovirus – a less aggressive, but common causative agent of viral diarrhea in infants, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems;
• Sapovirus (genogroups 1, 2, 4, 5) – viruses of the Caliciviridae family, similar to noroviruses, cause seasonal gastroenteritis in children and adults.

Unlike bacterial pathogens, viral pathogens are not detectable in culture, making PCR the only sensitive laboratory test for confirming viral diarrhea.

When?

• For acute gastroenteritis with sudden onset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
• During the first days of highly contagious diarrhea in childcare or group care facilities.
• During periods of seasonal increase in viral intestinal infections (winter-spring).
• If rotavirus or norovirus is suspected (clinically or epidemiologically).
• If antibacterial treatment is ineffective.
• In hospitalized patients with diarrhea, to differentiate viral etiology.

Who?

• Children (especially under 5 years of age) with symptoms of intestinal infection.
• Adults, especially during outbreaks in the family or at work.
• Patients with weakened immunity (oncopathology, HIV, post-transplant).
• Contact persons in cases of outbreaks in kindergartens, hospitals, and boarding schools.
• Travelers who develop symptoms after traveling.

• Stool

MATERIAL COLLECTION RULES