Studies on Norovirus amongst Asymptomatic Food Handlers and Patients with Gastroenteritis in Khartoum State

Abstract

This study was carried out in Khartoum State during the periods from August to September 2013. The study aimed to detect Norovirus in food handlers and patients with gastroenteritis. Stool specimens were collected in sterile wide-mouthed containers. The RNA was extracted from each stool specimen using “Ribo-Sorb” extraction kits. The virus was detected by RT-PCR kits. A total of 50 stool specimens were collected. Among these, 10 were collected from food handlers, 30 from adult patients and 10 from children patients. The results revealed that only one (10%) of the food handlers carried Norovirus, three (30%) of the children >5 years positive and two (6.6%) of the adults were also positive for Norovirus. It is concluded that Norovirus may be one of the causative agents of gastroenteritis among symptomatic patients. Food handlers are potentially source of Norovirus.