[Norovirus infection in children hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis in northeastern Poland].

Noroviruses belonging to the family of Caliciviridae are a major cause of acute gastroenteritis in both children and adults. In the current study incidence of norovirus gastroenteritis was estimated in children hospitalized for acute gastroenteritis using commercially available ELISA tests. Epidemiological data were correlated with basic demographic findings. A hundred and forty nine children with acute gastroenteritis were enrolled in the study. Screening for common viruses causing gastroenteritis: rotavirus and adenovirus was performed and than stool samples were frozen and stored in <20 degrees C for future simultaneous testing with IDEIA Norovirus (Dakocytomation). Group I noroviruses were found in one child when 16 children were tested positive for Norowirus group two. In total noroviruses were found in 11.4% of children included in the study. Children with norovirus infection were 3 weeks to 15 years old (mean age 5.9 years). Seasonal peak of norovirus infection was seen in September through December. The infectious agent has not been identified in 43% of investigated children. Our results support important role of noroviruses as a causing agent of gastroenteritis in children in Northeastern Poland. The importance of noroviruses may grow as rotavirus infections are likely to be eliminated due to wide introduction of vaccine in the nearest future. Routine testing for noroviruses should be considered in clinical practice.