The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by norovirus infection: Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases (E00-E90). Hypokalemia (potassium deficiency). Dehydration (fluid deficiency) Genitourinary system (kidneys, urinary tract – reproductive organs) (N00-N99) Acute renal insufficiency (renal failure). Further Extended duration of illness
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, body weight, body height; further: Inspection (viewing). Skin, mucous membranes and sclerae (white part of the eye). Abdomen (abdomen) Shape of the abdomen? Skin color? Skin texture? Efflorescences (skin changes)? Pulsations? Bowel movements? … Norovirus Infection: Examination
2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the history, physical examination and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification. Small blood count Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein). Virus detection in stool/vomiting (noroviruses I/II) – RT-PCT (reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction), antigen EIA, electron microscopic detection. Renal parameters – urea, creatinine, … Norovirus Infection: Test and Diagnosis
Therapeutic targets Symptom relief Rehydration (fluid balance) Stool regulation Avoid complications Therapy recommendations Symptomatic therapy (antiemetics/anti-nausea drugs, if necessary) including fluid replacement: oral rehydration for signs of dehydration (fluid deficiency; >3% weight loss): administration of oral rehydration solutions (ORL), which should be hypotonic, between meals (“tea breaks”) for mild to moderate dehydration Compensation of electrolyte … Norovirus Infection: Drug Therapy
Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification. Abdominal ultrasonography (ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs) – for basic diagnostics.
To prevent norovirus infection, attention must be paid to reducing risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Contact with infected individuals Consumption of contaminated food
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate a norovirus infection: Acute onset of symptoms Pronounced feeling of illness/fatigue Nausea (nausea) Profuse vomiting Severe diarrhea (diarrhea)/watery diarrhea Abdominal pain (abdominal pain) Cephalgia (headache) Myalgia (muscle pain) Moderately elevated temperature; rarely fever Symptomatology usually persists for 24 to 48 hours. Mild or asymptomatic courses may also occur.
Pathogenesis (development of disease) Noroviruses (formerly: Norwalk-like viruses; Norwalk-like viruses) belong to the Caliciviridae family along with the sapoviruses. They can be divided into five gene groups (GG I-V), with GG III and GG V being non-human pathogenic. Humans are the sole reservoir of the virus. Transmission occurs fecal-orally or by ingestion of droplets produced … Norovirus Infection: Causes
General measures Compensation of fluid and electrolyte loss. The general rules of hygiene must be consistently enforced Actions taken by patients and contacts: Instruction in correct disinfection measures Segregation of infected persons in rooms with private WCs Wearing gloves, protective gowns, face masks. Hand disinfection Disinfection of potentially contaminated surfaces Children < 6 years are … Norovirus Infection: Therapy
Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of norovirus infection. Family history What is the general health of your family members? Social history What is your profession? Do you work/live in a community facility? Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints). Do you suffer from severe vomiting and/or diarrhea? … Norovirus Infection: Medical History
Infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99). Infectious gastroenteritis (gastroenteritis), unspecified. Rotavirus infection Mouth, esophagus (food pipe), stomach and intestines (K00-K67; K90-K93). Noninfectious gastroenteritis, unspecified. Food poisoning, unspecified Medication Nausea/vomiting can be triggered by a variety of medications (see below “Gastrointestinal symptoms caused by medications”) Taking laxatives (laxatives). Antibiotics – group of drugs that act against bacterial … Norovirus Infection: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
