Detection of norovirus in stool samples by RT-PCR in 5 disease centers in Iran

Abstract

Background Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause gastroenteritis (illness that usually includes diarrhea and/or vomiting) in people. Gastroenteritis means inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines. Many different viruses can cause gastroenteritis, including rotaviruses; noroviruses; adenoviruses, types 40 and 41; sapoviruses; and astroviruses. Current techniques used for detection of noroviruses in stool samples include multi-step viral RNA extraction and purification followed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The aim of this study is the detection of norovirus in stool samples by RT-PCR in 5 disease centers in Iran.