Norovirus

Norovirus infection Microchapters
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This page is about microbiologic aspects of the organism(s).  For clinical aspects of the disease, see Norovirus infection.

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Norovirus is the cause of norovirus infection. Noroviruses (genus Norovirus) are a group of related, single-stranded RNA, nonenveloped viruses that cause acute gastroenteritis in humans. Norovirus was recently approved as the official genus name for the group of viruses provisionally described as “Norwalk-like viruses” (NLV). Noroviruses belong to the family Caliciviridae that includes sapoviruses, which also causes acute gastroenteritis.

Causes

Noroviruses are members of a group of viruses called caliciviruses also known previously as “Norwalk-like viruses.” Infection with norovirus affects the stomach and intestines, causing an illness called gastroenteritis, or “stomach flu.” This “stomach flu” is not related to the flu (or influenza), which is a respiratory illness caused by influenza virus. In addition, noroviruses are not related to bacteria and parasites that can cause gastrointestinal illnesses. Norovirus is not a “new” virus, but interest in it is growing as more is learned about how frequently noroviruses cause illness in people. Currently, there are six recognized norovirus genogroups. Three of the genogroups (GI, GII, and GIV) affect humans. More than 25 different genotypes have been identified within these three genogroups. Since 2002, variants of the GII.4 genotype have been the most common cause of norovirus outbreaks.

Gallery

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  Electron micrograph of the Norovirus. From Public Health Image Library (PHIL).
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  Transmission electron micrograph (TEM) revealed some of the ultrastructural morphology displayed by Norovirus virions. From Public Health Image Library (PHIL).
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  Transmission electron micrograph (TEM) revealed some of the ultrastructural morphology displayed by Norovirus virions. From Public Health Image Library (PHIL).
• 
  Transmission electron micrograph (TEM) revealed some of the ultrastructural morphology displayed by Norovirus virions. From Public Health Image Library (PHIL).
• 
  Transmission electron micrograph (TEM) revealed some of the ultrastructural morphology displayed by Norovirus virions. From Public Health Image Library (PHIL).
• 
  Transmission electron micrograph (TEM) revealed some of the ultrastructural morphology displayed by Norovirus virions. From Public Health Image Library (PHIL).
• 
  Transmission electron micrograph (TEM) revealed some of the ultrastructural morphology displayed by Norovirus virions. From Public Health Image Library (PHIL).

References

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