Systematic Literature Review of Role of Noroviruses in Sporadic Gastroenteritis
2008

Noroviruses and Gastroenteritis in Children

Sample size: 235 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Patel Manish M., Widdowson Marc-Alain, Glass Roger I., Akazawa Kenichiro, Vinjé Jan, Parashar Umesh D.

Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Hypothesis

What is the role of noroviruses in sporadic gastroenteritis?

Conclusion

Noroviruses account for 12% of severe gastroenteritis cases among children under 5 years of age.

Supporting Evidence

  • Noroviruses accounted for 12% of severe gastroenteritis cases among children under 5 years of age.
  • Each year, noroviruses cause approximately 64,000 hospitalizations and 900,000 clinic visits among children in industrialized countries.
  • In developing countries, noroviruses may cause up to 200,000 deaths of children under 5 years of age.

Takeaway

Noroviruses are a common cause of stomach sickness in young kids, making many of them very sick each year.

Methodology

A systematic review of studies using reverse transcription–PCR to diagnose norovirus infections in patients with diarrhea.

Potential Biases

Heterogeneity in study designs and potential publication bias.

Limitations

Limited data from developing countries and potential underestimation of disease prevalence due to diagnostic challenges.

Participant Demographics

Studies included children under 5 years of age from various income countries.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

95% CI 10%–15%

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3201/eid1408.071114

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