Super-infections and relapses occur in chronic norovirus infections

Norovirus is a leading cause of gastroenteritis. Infections are typically self-limiting in immunocompetent hosts, with limited morbidity aside from dehydration. In immunocompromised patients however, there is a risk of chronic infection with significant associated morbidity [1]. Chronic infections are bi-phasic with an acute phase of vomiting and diarrhoea, followed by chronic viral shedding and diarrhoea lasting weeks to years. The majority of case reports describe patients to be symptomatic during this extended period of shedding, with up to 24 bowel movements per day [2].

Source: Journal of Clinical Virology - September 19, 2017 Category: Virology Authors: Julianne R Brown, Sunando Roy, Helena Tutill, Rachel Williams, Judith Breuer Tags: Short communication Source Type: research