VIRAL GASTROINTESTINAL SYNDROME IN OUR ENVIRONMENT

Viral gastrointestinal syndrome is a cause of morbidity and death worldwide. Infection is spread through contact with an infected person, as well as through contaminated food and water. A lethal outcome is possible in infants and young children due to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. The study included 141 patients with gastroenteritis from Vojvodina. Real-Time PCR method in stool samples was used to determine the presence of rota-, noro-, and astrovirus nucleic acid. Out of 141 patients with gastroenteritis, 60.3% were confirmed to have one of the three viruses. Rotavirus was significantly more common in children up to 3 years of age (43.3%). Norovirus was more frequently detected in patients older than 20 (50%). These infections started in collectives. Astrovirus was detected in four patients (2.8%). The results confirm the necessity to implement PCR in routine diagnostics for the proper treatment of patients.