THE MENACE OF NOROVIRUS ON HUMAN HEALTH

Abstract

Norovirus formally known as Norwalk virus was named after Norwalk, Ohio, in the United States, where an outbreak of acute viral gastroenteritis occurred among children at Bronson Elementary School in November, 1968. Norovirus is the only species of the genus Norovirus, which belongs to the family caliciviridae. Infection by Norovirus relies on the recognition of histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) in the initial viral attachment and this key event most likely controls host susceptibility and resistance to Norovirus. The pathological effect due to infection with Norovirus begins with viral attachment to the cell receptor, the P2 subdomain of the VP1 binds to a sugar residue, mostly to the histo-blood group antigen (HBGA) carbohydrates in the case of human Norovirus but also to sialic acid or heparin sulfate. Diagnosis can be achieved through Electron Microscopy and Immune Electron Microscopy, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay and Nucleic Acid Hybridization Assay. Theoretically, any food item can potentially be infected with Norovirus through fecal contamination. Therefore, all food items should be handled in good hygienic manner