Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR for Detection of Norovirus in Children with Acute Gastroenteritis

Abstract

      Norovirus GII is the most commonly identified cause of the outbreaks and the sporadic cases of acute pediatric gastroenteritis, and children's hospitalization is often required. It institutes a significant health problem because of its highly contagious nature and high rate of morbidity. This work describes the development of reverse transcription real-time TaqMan PCR assays for Norovirus GII identification as an etiological agent for acute pediatric gastroenteritis in children less than five years from stool specimens. The result of the RT-PCR assay revealed that Norovirus GII was present in 4(8%) out of 50(100%) feal samples from children with acute gastroenteritis in this study. while detection of Norovirus was 2% in case-control. Severe clinical symptoms associated with Norovirus infection compared with non-viral infection. This research established that the reverse transcription real-time PCR is among the greatest sensitive approaches for Norovirus detection based on the amplification of the DNA from Norovirus RNA, and the highlights needed for Norovirus laboratory investigations.