Acute gastroenteritis caused by the Norwalk virus

Acute gastroenteritis caused by the causative agent Norvolk is an acute viral infectious disease with a fecal-oral mechanism of transmission of the pathogen, characterized by moderate intoxication and a picture of acute gastroenteritis with benign course.

ICD-10 code

A08.1. Acute gastroenteropathy caused by the Norwolk pathogen.

Epidemiology of acute gastroenteritis caused by the Norwalk virus

The source of the causative agent of infection is a sick person, infectious until 2 days after the cessation of diarrhea; the mechanism of transmission of the pathogen is fecal-oral, which is realized by food (green salad, oysters, ice cream) and by water. Norvolk virus is active throughout the year without significant seasonality, older children and adults are more likely to get sick. Observe both sporadic cases of the disease, and group outbreaks. After the infection, persistent long-term immunity develops.

Acute gastroenteritis caused by the Norvolk virus is widespread. In 50-70% of adults living in both developed and developing countries, antibodies to the virus of Norvolk, appearing in childhood, are determined. In developed countries, about 30% of all epidemics of diarrhea of this group are associated with this virus. Norvolk virus was defined as the etiological agent of epidemics in boarding schools, summer camps and schools.

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8]

What causes acute gastroenteritis caused by the Norwalk virus?

Acute gastroenteritis caused by the Norwalk virus is caused by an RNA-containing unclassified Norwalk virus , which has a protein structure, a rounded shape and dimensions of about 27-32 nm, stable in the environment, and also the action of disinfectants.

The pathogenesis of acute gastroenteritis caused by the Norwalk virus

Getting into the human body, Norvolk virus breaks the structure of cells of the small intestine, while the villi of the cells become shortened, crypt hyperplasia develops, the own plate of the intestinal mucosa is infiltrated by polymorphonuclear and mononuclear cells. All this causes a moderate steatoriu, a violation of absorption of carbohydrates and a decrease in the activity of certain enzymes located in the boundary cell layer. In the mucous membrane of the stomach and large intestine, no significant changes are observed. The adenylate cyclase activity of the cells does not change.

Symptoms of acute gastroenteritis caused by the Norwalk virus

The incubation period of acute gastroenteritis caused by the virus Norvolk - from 10 h to 2-3 days. Acute gastroenteritis caused by the Norwalk virus has an acute onset, in some patients - short subfebrile condition, severe weakness, adynamia. The most frequent symptoms of acute gastroenteritis caused by the Norvolk virus:

• nausea and infrequent short-term vomiting;
• pain in the epigastrium and middle part of the abdomen (not strong, aching or cramping);
• liquid stool without pathological impurities no more than 5-7 times a day for 1-2 days.

Most patients have headache, myalgia. On examination, the stomach is slightly inflated, with palpation a loud rumbling is felt. The liver and spleen do not increase.

In the hemogram, leukocytosis with relative lymphopenia is occasionally found. Acute gastroenteritis caused by the Norvolk virus often occurs in mild form, recovery occurs after 12-72 hours. Complications are not established.

Diagnosis of acute gastroenteritis caused by the Norwalk virus

Diagnosis of acute gastroenteritis caused by the virus of Norwalk is based on clinical and epidemiological data, confirm laboratory (radioimmune tests, ELISA method).

[9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14]

Treatment of acute gastroenteritis caused by the Norwalk virus

Hospitalization is carried out, mainly, on the basis of epidemiological indications. Assign a full-fledged diet, including mechanically and chemically sparing food. In an acute period, whole milk and refractory fats are excluded from the diet, restricting the use of carbohydrates.

Drug treatment for acute gastroenteritis caused by the Norwalk virus

The medical treatment of acute gastroenteritis caused by the Norvolk virus is based on oral rehydration, enterosorbents, enzymes, and biologics. Antibiotic treatment of acute gastroenteritis caused by the Norvolk virus is not shown.

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Clinical examination

Dispensary observation is not carried out.

[17], [18], [19], [20]

How to prevent acute gastroenteritis caused by the Norvolk virus?

Specific prophylaxis of acute gastroenteritis caused by the Norvolk virus has not been developed. Acute gastroenteritis caused by the Norvolk virus can be prevented in the same way as with other intestinal infections.

What is the prognosis of acute gastroenteritis caused by the Norvolk virus?

Acute gastroenteritis caused by the Norvolk virus has a favorable prognosis. Extract with complete clinical recovery.