Abstract from Fourth National Congress of Virology with International Participation /Days of Virology in Bulgaria Sofia, May 18th - 20th, 2016

Dimitar Strashimirov, Trifon Valkov, Nina Yancheva, Ivelina Tomova, Mayda Tiholova, Tatiana Tcherveniakova

“Prof. Iv. Kirov“ Specialized Hospital for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria

Noroviruses are one of the most common etiologic agents, that cause outbreaks of diarrheal diseases especially in closed groups. Our study includes a group of 22 students from the Professional School of Computer Technology and Systems in Pravets - Bulgaria, that experienced a sudden onset of severe gastroenteritis. Their average age is 16 years in the range 14-18 years, 17 boys (77%) and 5 girls (23%).

The onset was acute with chill (in all patients), fever – subfebrile (tº up to 38◦ C) were 12 (54%) and febrile - 3 (13%) patients. Vomiting is present in all patients, while in 17 (77%) it is accompanied by nausea. Abdominal pains are present in 11 people (50%). Diarrhea is present in 7 persons (31%). The microbiological diagnosis includes examination of a stool sample for intestinal pathogenic bacteria and viruses, as in 9 (41%) norovirus infection was proved by PCR. The therapeutic approach includes oral and parenteral rehydration, symptomatic agents and diet.

Infections with noroviruses should always be suggest in cases of sudden onset of gastroenteritis with a group character.