Viral Gastroenteritis

Pathophysiology: Viral gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection where inflammation of the stomach and intestines occur from a virus. It is also known as “stomach flu”. This infection may lead to watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever. It occurs by contact with a diseased person or by intake of contaminated food or water.Clinicians have categorized it into: Sporadic gastroenteritis,  Epidemic gastroenteritis (food-borne or water-borne pathogens), and Acute gastroenteritis.

Disease Statistics: Noroviruses are the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in Europe. A study was conducted for Norovirus outbreak information between 2001 and 2003. Total 73 outbreaks were registered.

Treatment: Viral gastroenteritis is diagnosed by physical exam such as stool sample to test for virus. There are no specific medical treatments and initially it involves lot of self-care measures. Antibiotics aren’t effective against viruses. The illness may be due to parasitic or bacterial infection. Primary goal is to prevent dehydration by providing enough water and fluids to the diseased body. Food is offered in small amounts. In case of small children, food is supplied intravenously.

Research: The research group involved were University Hospital Basel and Cantonal Laboratory Basel-Landschaft.