Analysis of A predominant role for Norwalk like viruses as agents of epidemic gastroenteritis in Maryland
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Stool samples were taken from 156 Maryland nursing home residents for experimental purposes. These samples were analyzed because the origin of 20 outbreaks of gastroenteritis between the months of November 1987 and February 1988. More than half (52%) of all the samples taken tested positive for Norwalk-like viruses (NLVs), which are microorganisms that come from the family Caliciviridae. These microorganisms are called Norwalk-like because they are similar to the Norwalk virus that was first documented in Norwalk, Ohio. The samples were frequently tested for any bacteria that might be present, because the researchers did not usually find any bacteria, they assumed the gastroenteritis infections were viral. A technique called reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used in order for the researchers to re-examine the specimens for the presence of different enteric viruses. Using the RT-PCR the researchers were able to identify and sequence NLV genes in the samples and could compare them with genes from strains that have been going around for the past ten years. They wanted to compare these sets of strains for differences.
Along with the RT-PCR, the researchers used other assays to analyze blood found in the stool samples. They checked for any serum antibodies that may have formed to fight the virus...