DETECTION OF HUMAN NOROVIRUS IN ACUTE GASTROENTERITIS CASES FROM NORTH INDIAN PEDIATRIC POPULATION

Introduction: Human Norovirus (HuNoV) is the major cause of acute gastroenteritis in pediatric populations, accounting for approximately 18% of cases worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence rate and characterization of genogroup in the pediatric population with gastrointestinal disease. Materials and Methods: A total of 205 fecal specimens were taken from children below 15 years of age with acute gastroenteritis disease. Samples were collected from the pediatric department of Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Luck now. RNA was extracted from fecal specimens and screened for Norovirus GI and GII genogroups using real-time PCR. Results: The overall rate of Norovirus infections was 23 (11.2%). Among patients positive for Norovirus, 17(74.0%) were identified as GII genogroup, and 6 (26.0%) were identified as GI genogroup. Conclusion: The majority of Norovirus associated viral gastroenteritis cases among children were attributed to GII genogroup. Younger patients were at more risk of acute gastroenteritis. As the viral transmission was evident by the oral-fecal route, the high positivity of clinical samples is indicative of disease manifestation in the area. Simultaneously, some cases are positive for Norovirus etiology suggests its circulation in the community.