ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Rotavirus is the most common agent of acute gastroenteritis in childhood worldwide. Besides rotavirus, calicivirus is well known another important cause of acute gastroenteritis in childhood. However, caliciviral acute gastroenteritis has not been studied well in Korea. Here we report clinical manifestations of caliciviral acute gastroenteritis confirmed by RT-PCR. METHODS: Eleven patients who were admitted to Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine from April 1998 to April 1999, were involved in this study. RNA was isolated from the stool of the patients. RT-PCR was done. Electrophoresis with the PCR products was done. Viruses were identified by electron microscope. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Infections occurred below 7 years of age in almost all patients. No sex predominance was found. The clinical manifestations were those of acute gastroenteritis, such as diarrhea, vomiting, poor oral intake, fever, nausea, or abdominal pain. Symptoms were less severe compared to rotaviral infection. CONCLUSION: In case of viral gastroenteritis caused not by rotavirus, we should keep in mind that calicivirus is a possible cause.