Investigation of Feline calicivirus infection in cats with upper respiratory tract disease in Diyarbakir, Turkey / Investigação de infecção por calicivírus felino em gatos com doença do trato respiratório superior na região de Diyarbakir, Turquia

Feline calicivirus is among the most common pathogenic microorganisms in upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) and oral lesions of cats. It leads to stomatitis, oral ulceration, ocular and nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, fever, lameness, anorexia, hypersalivation, pneumonia, respiratory distress, coughing, and depression in infected cats. This study aimed to determine the role of Feline calicivirus (FCV) in cats with the upper respiratory tract disease in the Diyarbakir region, Turkey, to provide treatment for infected cats and contribute to the disease prophylaxis. The study material consisted of 10 cats (control group) considered to be healthy according to the clinical examination and 20 cats with URTD that were not vaccinated against Feline calicivirus infection of different breeds, ages, and genders brought to Dicle University Veterinary Faculty Prof. Dr. Servet SEKIN Polyclinic with URTD. After routine clinical examinations of the animals, oral and conjunctival swabs and blood samples were taken. Hematological and biochemical analyzes of blood samples were performed. Swab samples were analyzed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for the diagnosis of the agent. Oral lesions, hypersalivation, ocular and nasal discharge, coughing, and breathing difficulties were seen in clinical examinations of cats with URTD. Feline calicivirus was detected in only one cat's conjunctival swab sample in PCR analyses. As a result, we found that Feline calicivirus infection was present in cats with URTD in the Diyarbakir region, and 5% positivity was found in cats with clinical symptoms according to PCR analysis.(AU)

O calicivírus felino está entre os microrganismos patogênicos mais comuns nas doenças do trato respiratório superior de gatos, determinando estomatites, ulcerações orais, descarga ocular e nasal, conjuntivite, febre, manqueira, anorexia, hipersalivação, pneumonia, distúrbios respiratórios, tosse e depressão. O presente trabalho foi delineado para determinar o papel do calicivírus felino (CVF) em gatos com doenças do trato respiratório superior na região de Diyarbakir, Turquia. Com o objetivo de orientar a prescrição do tratamento para os gatos infectados e contribuir com a profilaxia da doença. O material de estudo consistiu em 10 gatos saudáveis sem qualquer problema de saúde e 20 gatos acometidos por doenças do trato respiratório superior que não haviam sido vacinados contra a infecção pelo calicivírus felino. Os animais de diferentes raças, idades e gêneros foram encaminhados para a Universidade de Dicle, na Faculdade de Veterinária, na policlínica Professor Dr. Servet Sekin. Após o exame clínico de rotina dos animais, foram colhidos swabs orais e da conjuntiva e amostras de sangue. Análises hematológicas e bioquímicas das amostras de sangue foram realizadas e os swabs foram analisados pelo método da reação em cadeia pela polimerase (PCR) para diagnóstico do agente. Nos gatos infectados foram constatadas: lesões orais, hipersalivação, descargas oculares e nasais, tosse e dificuldade respiratória. O calicivírus felino foi detectado pela técnica de PCR no swab conjuntival de apenas um gato. A conclusão obtida foi que a infecção pelo calicivírus felino foi detectada pela técnica de PCR na região de Diyarbakir, Turquia, em gatos com doença do trato respiratório superior com a frequência de 5%.(AU)

Gastroenteritis aguda por norovirus en pacientes con atención hospitalaria: estudio transversal / Acute gastroenteritis due to norovirus in patients with hospital care: a cross-sectional study

Resumen Introducción: Debido a la disponibilidad de técnicas moleculares en la atención clínica, las gastroenteritis agudas (GEA) por norovirus han retomado importancia como un agente causante de hospitalización. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las características clínicas y evolutivas de pacientes menores de 16 años hospitalizados por GEA por norovirus. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo. Se recabó información clínica de los pacientes atendidos en hospitalización del 1 de noviembre del 2016 al 28 de febrero del 2018 por GEA con detección de norovirus (genotipo I y II) en heces por medio de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con transcriptasa inversa. Resultados: Estudiamos 103 pacientes; 96 (93.2%; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%]: 86.6-96.7%) con deteccion de genotipo II y 7 (6.8%; IC 95%: 5.3-8.7%) de genotipo I; 76 (73.8%) ≤5 anos. El 48.5% fueron atendidos durante el invierno. La evolucion fue a la autolimitacion en menos de 7 días en todos con manejo hidroelectrolitico. No hubo diferencias en la gravedad y sintomas segun el grupo viral: en ambos predominaron los vómitos (82%). Solo un paciente cursó con perforación intestinal por coinfección con Shigella sp.; tres pacientes (3.1%) manifestaron crisis convulsivas (dos febriles y una epiléptica). Conclusiones: La GEA por norovirus, a pesar de causar una enfermedad meritoria de hospitalización, tiene un pronóstico favorable con autolimitación rápida. Su detección por pruebas rápidas en heces podría evitar la prescripción injustificada de antibióticos.

Abstract Background: Because of the availability of molecular techniques in clinical care, acute gastroenteritis (AGE) due to norovirus has returned to importance as a causative agent of hospitalization. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical features and evolution of patients less than 16 years hospitalized for AGE associated with norovirus. Methods: Retrospective study. Clinical information of the patients attended from November 1, 2016 to February 28, 2018 by AGE with detection of norovirus (genotype I and II) in faeces by means of polymerase chain reaction with reverse transcriptase was collected. Results: We studied 103 patients; 96 (93.2%; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 86.6-96.7%) with genotype II detection and seven (6.8%; 95% CI: 5.3-8.7%) genotype I; 76 (73.8%) ≤5 years. 48.5% attended during the winter. The evolution was to self-limitation in less than 7 days in all with hydro electrolytic management. There were no differences in the severity and symptoms according to the viral group; in both cases the vomiting predominated (82%). Only one patient had intestinal perforation due to co-infection with Shigella sp.; three patients (3.1%) manifested seizures (two febrile and one epileptic convulsions). Conclusions: Despite causing a meritorious disease of hospitalization, GEA by norovirus has a favorable prognosis with rapid self-limitation. Its timely detection by rapid tests in feces could avoid the unjustified prescription of antibiotics.

Investigation of Norovirus genogroups (GI, GII and GIV) in stool of pet dogs with diarrhea / Investigação de genogrupos de norovírus (GI, GII e GIV) nas fezes de cães de estimação com diarréia

In this study, we searched the existence of human norovirus (NoV) GI, GII and GIV in the stool of 128 pet dogs with diarrhea, of different sex, age and breed, in Burdur, Turkey, using Real-Time PCR method. Human NoV GII was found in only 5 of the 128 dog stool samples (3.91%). It was discovered that human NoV existed most in crossbreed, female and aged 24 months or over dogs. These dogs found with human NoV GII were either bought from pet shops, stray dogs or taken as puppy of another pet dog. The sheltering conditions of these dogs were moderate and they were fed with home food residue and dry food. It was also found that most of them were vaccinated and had certain walking sites. The owners of the animals detected with infection generally did not have the habit of washing their hands or changing their clothes before or after caring their pets. We strongly advice that dog owners' personal hygiene, the necessity of changing their clothes during their contact with animals, the environment provided for the dog, the sensitivity in caring, use of strong and effective disinfectant, keeping the dogs away from toilets and sewerage systems, as well as not feeding them with food residues are crucial issues in dogs' care. Owners of the dogs with NoV GII were middle aged or elderly people, male, and there were no children in their houses. As these dogs are treated like the owner's child, it is assumed that they could be transmitted with NoV GII as a result of close interaction with their owner.(AU)

Neste estudo pesquisamos a existência de norovírus humano (NoV) GI, GII e GIV nas fezes de 128 cães com diarréia, de diferentes sexos, idades e raças, em Burdur, Turquia, utilizando o método de PCR em tempo real. NoV GII humano foi encontrado em apenas 5 das 128 amostras de fezes de cães (3,91%). Foi descoberta NoV humana, principalmente em cruzamentos, fêmeas e cães com idade igual ou superior a 24 meses. Os cães encontrados com NoV GII humano foram comprados de lojas de animais, eram vira-latas ou foram tomados como filhotes de outro cão de estimação. As condições de abrigo desses cães eram moderadas. Os cães foram alimentados com restos de comida caseira e comida seca. Verificou-se também que a maioria dos animais foi vacinada e tinham locais adequados para caminhada. Os donos dos animais detectados com infecção geralmente não tinham o hábito de lavar as mãos ou trocar de roupa antes ou depois de cuidar de seus animais de estimação. Aconselhamos que a higiene pessoal dos donos, a necessidade de trocar de roupa durante o contato com animais, o ambiente fornecido para o cão, a sensibilidade no cuidado, o uso de desinfetantes eficazes, manter os cães longe de banheiros e esgotos, assim como evitar alimentá-los com resíduos alimentares, são questões cruciais no cuidado dos cães. Os proprietários dos cães com NoV GII são de meia-idade ou idosos, a maioria do sexo masculino, e não havia crianças em suas casas. Como esses cães são tratados como um filho, presume-se que eles foram infectados com o NoV GII como resultado de uma interação próxima com o proprietário.(AU)

Norovírus no município de São Paulo, 2010-2016: estudo transversal sobre a principal causa de gastroenterite infantil / Norovirus en el Municipio de São Paulo, Brasil, 2010-2016: estudio transversal sobre la principal causa de gastroenteritis infantil / Norovirus in São Paulo city, Brazil, 2010-2016: a cross-sectional study of the leading cause of gastroenteritis in children

Objetivo: descrever casos de doença diarreica aguda por norovírus em crianças menores de 5 anos do município de São Paulo, Brasil. Métodos: estudo transversal com dados provenientes da Vigilância Epidemiológica das Gastroenterites Causadas por Rotavírus; foi definido como caso o paciente internado em unidade sentinela por doença diarreica aguda e identificação laboratorial do norovírus como agente etiológico, entre os anos de 2010 e 2016. Resultados: durante o período estudado, a proporção de casos de norovírus em menores de 5 anos de idade ultrapassou a proporção de casos de rotavírus, agente considerado predominante na infância; o norovírus foi associado a 28,4% do total de casos notificados, ocorrendo o ano todo, principalmente nos meses mais quentes. Conclusão: norovírus foi o principal agente etiológico identificado em crianças menores de 5 anos com doença diarreica aguda no município de São Paulo.

Objetivo: describir casos de enfermedad diarreica aguda por Norovirus en niños menores de 5 años provenientes del Municipio de São Paulo, Brasil. Métodos: Estudio transversal con datos de la Vigilancia Epidemiológica de las Gastroenteritis causadas por Rotavirus. Se definió como caso el paciente internado en unidad centinela por enfermedad diarreica aguda e identificación de laboratorio del Norovirus como agente etiológico entre los años de 2010 y 2016. Resultados: Durante el período estudiado, la proporción de casos de Norovirus en menores de 5 años superó la proporción de casos de Rotavirus, agente considerado predominante en la infancia. El Norovirus fue asociado al 28,4% del total de los casos notificados, ocurriendo todo el año, principalmente en los meses más cálidos. Conclusión: el Norovirus fue el principal agente etiológico identificado en niños menores de 5 años con enfermedad diarreica aguda en el Municipio de São Paulo.

Objective: to describe cases of acute diarrheal disease caused by norovirus in children under 5 years old in São Paulo city, Brazil. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study using data from Epidemiological Surveillance of Gastroenteritis due to Rotavirus; cases were defined as patients hospitalized in a sentinel unit because of acute diarrheal disease and laboratory identification of norovirus as the etiological agent between 2010 and 2016. Results: during the study period, the proportion of norovirus cases in children under 5 years old exceeded the proportion of Rotavirus, an agent considered predominant in childhood; norovirus was associated with 28.4% of total reported cases, occurring all year round, especially in warmer months. Conclusion: norovirus was the leading etiological agent identified in children under 5 years old with acute diarrheal disease in São Paulo city.

Caliciviruses in hospitalized children, São Luís, Maranhão, 1997-1999: detection of norovirus GII. 12

ABSTRACT Gastroenteritis is one of the most common diseases during childhood, with norovirus (NoV) and sapovirus (SaV) being two of its main causes. This study reports for the first time the incidence of these viruses in hospitalized children with and without gastroenteritis in São Luís, Maranhão. A total of 136 fecal samples were tested by enzyme immunoassays (EIA) for the detection of NoV and by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for detection of both NoV and SaV. Positive samples for both agents were subjected to sequencing. The overall frequency of NoV as detected by EIA and RT-PCR was 17.6% (24/136) and 32.6% (15/46), respectively in diarrheic patients and 10.0% (9/90) in non-diarrheic patients (p < 0.01). Of the diarrheic patients, 17% had fever, vomiting and anorexia, and 13% developed fever, vomiting and abdominal pain. Of the 24 NoV-positive samples, 50% (12/24) were sequenced and classified as genotypes GII.3 (n = 1), GII.4 (6), GII.5 (1), GII.7 (2), GII.12 (1) and GII.16 (1). SaV frequency was 9.8% (11/112), with 22.6% (7/31) in diarrheic patients and 4.9% (4/81) in nondiarrheic (p = 0.04) ones. In diarrheic cases, 27.3% had fever, vomiting and anorexia, whereas 18.2% had fever, anorexia and abdominal pain. One SaV-positive sample was sequenced and classified as GII.1. These results show a high genetic diversity of NoV and higher prevalence of NoV compared to SaV. Our data highlight the importance of NoV and SaV as enteropathogens in São Luís, Maranhão.

Comparison of primers for the detection of genogroup II noroviruses in India.

Purpose: Noroviruses (NoV) are increasingly recognized as an important cause for acute gastroenteritis, worldwide. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and sequencing are the methods of choice for the detection of NoVs, but there is currently no consensus about the primers to be used in these assays. Materials and Methods: In this study, five published primer sets were evaluated for the detection of genogroup II (GII) NoVs in India. The primers target different regions of the NoV genome. Three primer sets detect an NoV in a single round RT-PCR platform, while the remaining two primer sets are based on a nested RT-PCR platform. Result: A panel of 100 samples from previous studies on norovirus diarrhoea in children were tested by all five primer sets. Of them, 74 samples were identified as positive for NoV, by at least one primer set. Subsets of positive amplicons were sequenced to check for specificity. Conclusion: The most sensitive primer set was Girish 2002, which detected GII NoV by nested RT-PCR, and was modified from the previously published primers. This study demonstrates that higher detection can be obtained by either using multiple primer sets or using a sensitive nested RT-PCR assay. It also demonstrates the differences in primer sensitivity for detection of Genogroup II (GII) NoVs in India.

Evaluation of a New Immunochromatographic Assay Kit for the Rapid Detection of Norovirus in Fecal Specimens

Rapid and accurate detection of norovirus is essential for the prevention and control of norovirus outbreaks. This study compared the effectiveness of a new immunochromatographic assay kit (SD BIOLINE Norovirus; Standard Diagnostics, Korea) and real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) for detecting norovirus in fecal specimens. Compared with real-time RT-PCR, the new assay had sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 76.5% (52/68), 99.7% (342/343), 98.1% (52/53), and 95.5% (342/358), respectively. The sensitivity of the assay was 81.8% (18/22) for GII.3 and 75.7% (28/37) for GII.4. None of the 38 enteric virus-positive specimens (3 for astrovirus, 5 for enteric adenovirus, and 30 for rotavirus) tested positive in the cross-reactivity test performed by using this assay. The new immunochromatographic assay may be a useful screening tool for the rapid detection of norovirus in sporadic and outbreak cases; however, negative results may require confirmatory assays of greater sensitivity.

Norovírus: uma visão geral / Norovirus: an overview

Os norovírus (NoV) foram os primeiros agentes virais ligados à doença gastrointestinal, entretanto, eles foram, por muito tempo, considerados como causa secundária de gastroenterite, após os rotavírus. O desenvolvimento de técnicas moleculares voltadas ao diagnóstico dos NoV forneceu dados mais claros sobre o impacto epidemiológico desses vírus, os quais são, atualmente, reconhecidos não apenas como principal causa de surtos de gastroenterite não bacteriana, mas também como causa importante de gastroenterite esporádica em crianças e adultos. Esta revisão enfoca os conhecimentos necessários para compreender a sua morfologia, genética, transmissão, patogênese e controle. Uma vez que não há vacina disponível, a prevenção da infecção por NoV depende principalmente de medidas de higiene da comunidade e pessoais.

Although noroviruses (NoVs) were the first viral agents linked to gastrointestinal disease, for a long time they have been considered secondary cause of gastroenteritis, second to rotaviruses as etiologic agents. The development of molecular techniques in diagnosing NoV provided a clearer insight into the epidemiological impact of these viruses, which are currently recognized not only as the leading cause of non-bacterial gastroenteritis outbreaks, but also as a major cause of sporadic gastroenteritis in both children and adults. This review focuses on the required knowledge to understand their morphology, genetics, transmission, pathogenesis, and control. Since no vaccine is available, prevention of NoV infection relies mainly on strict community and personal hygiene measures.

Detection of caliciviruses associated with acute infantile gastroenteritis in Salvador, an urban center in Northeast Brazil

Acute gastroenteritis caused by viruses is one of the leading causes of infantile morbidity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of human caliciviruses of the genera norovirus and sapovirus in children up to 3 years of age with acute gastroenteritis from low-income communities in the city of Salvador, Brazil. This study is an extension of previous work carried out to establish the profile of the most prevalent enteric pathogens present in these communities. In this report, 139 fecal samples, collected from July 2001 to January 2002 were analyzed by RT-PCR and 13 (9 percent) were positive for human caliciviruses. By sequencing, seven isolates were characterized as norovirus genogroup GII and one as sapovirus genotype GII/1. Sequencing of the previously detected group-A rotaviruses and human astroviruses was also performed and revealed the circulation of rotavirus group A genotypes G1P[8] and G9P[8], and human astrovirus genotypes 6, 7, and 8. No mixed infection was observed. Community-based studies provide geographically representative information on disease burden. However, there are only a few reports in developing countries concerning the genotypes of the most important gastroenteric viruses detected in such communities. The present findings demonstrate the wide diversity of genotypes of the most important viruses responsible for acute gastroenteritis circulating in low-income communities.

Adenovirus, calicivirus and astrovirus detection in fecal samples of hospitalized children with acute gastroenteritis from Campo Grande, MS, Brazil

We analyzed fecal samples from hospitalized children up to three years of age with acute gastroenteritis at Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, from May 2000-January 2004. Astrovirus and calicivirus were detected by Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction and adenovirus was detected using the Rotavirus and Adenovirus combined immunoenzyme assay. Astrovirus, adenovirus and calicivirus were detected at rates of 3.1 percent, 3.6 percent and 7.6 percent, respectively. These results re-emphasize the need for the establishment of regional vigilance systems to evaluate the impact of enteric viruses on viral gastroenteritis.

Hospitalization due to norovirus and genotypes of rotavirus in pediatric patients, state of Espírito Santo

Viruses are the leading cause for hospitalization due to gastroenteritis worldwide. Group A rotaviruses (RV) are the most prevalent and are assorted in glycoproteins (G) and protease sensitive (P) dual genotypes based on polymorphic genes that encode the external VP7 and VP4 capsid proteins, respectively. Noroviruses (NoV) have increasingly answered by sporadic gastroenteritis. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of NoV and RV in 68 hospitalized children, between July 2004 and November 2006, at a pediatric hospital in Vitória city, state of Espírito Santo, Southeastern Brazil. Nucleic acid was extracted from fecal suspension following the guanidine-silica procedure. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis were employed for NoV and RV detection, respectively. RV genotyping was accomplished using RT-PCR followed by heminested multiplex PCR with specific primers for the most prevalent types of G and P. Fecal samples were positive for NoV and RV in 39.7 percent (27/68) and 20.5 percent (14/68), respectively and together were responsible for 60 percent (41/68) of the cases. RV genotypes were: 50 percent G9P[8], 28.7 percent G2P[4], 7.1 percent G1P[8], G2P[8] and G?P[8]. Vomit was a prominent manifestation observed in 92 percent and 85 percent of the NoV and RV cases, respectively. The median hospitalization was 5 and 5.5 days for the patients infected with NoV and RV, respectively. The data showed that NoV prevailed over RV and it also corroborated the emergence of RV G9 genotype followed by G2P[4], reinforcing the need for RV genotype surveillance.

Psittacine beak and feather disease in Iran, molecular and histopathologic detection

Psittacine beak and feather disease [PBFD] is a major viral disease in wild and captive psittaciformes all around the world. The disease was suspected in a 7 years old lesser sulphur-crested cockatoos [Cacatua sulphured] with a minor feather loss at the back of neck and head. The bird was comprehensively examined by macroscopic pathology, histopathology and polymerase chain reaction [PCR]. Marked intracellular edema of the keratinocytes and necrosis were evident in histopathological observation of dystrophic feather follicles. Numerous macrophages with cytoplasmic inclusions [botryoid] and Prevasculitis were also present in the dermis. Histopathologically, the feather lesions and inclusions were typical of PBFD. The presence of psittacine beak and feather disease virus [BFDV] DNA was confirmed by PCR. This is the first documented report of the occurrence of the PBFD in Iran

Detection of calicivirus from fecal samples from children with acute gastroenteritis in the West Central region of Brazil

The objective of this study was to describe the circulation of caliciviruses in the West Central region of Brazil and its correlation with children's gender and age, as well as with the year and months of the sample collection. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the human calicivirus genome in 1006 fecal samples that were collected in Goiânia (n = 696) and Brasília (n = 310). Viral RNA was detected in 8.6 percent of the samples. No significant difference in viral prevalence was found regarding gender, age or year of the sample. However, it was observed that in Goiânia, there is a higher incidence of caliciviruses from September to March. The analysis employing three primer pairs demonstrated that the Ni/E3 or JV12/13 primer pairs, which detect norovirus (NoV), detected 41 positive samples while the 289/290 primer pair, which detects NoV or sapovirus, detected the remaining 46 samples. Calicivirus circulates in the West Central region of Brazil and for better detection of this virus it is important to use more than one primer pair. Also, we conclude that the seasonality presented by this virus is related to higher humidity in the period.

Epidemiology and clinical manifestation of rotavirus and norwalk-like viruses in Thai children.

Acute gastroenteritis is one of the most common diseases affecting children and rotavirus is the major etiological agent worldwide. Although the role of rotavirus as a causal agent of gastroenteritis has been previously established in Thailand, little is known about the epidemiology of Norwalk-like viruses. The present study was designed to determine the epidemiology and clinical manifestation of Norwalk-like viruses in comparison with rotavirus in Thailand. One hundred and one children with watery diarrhea between November 2002 and October 2003 were recruited into the study. The clinical data and stool specimens were collected for clinical analysis and rotavirus and Norwalk-like virus detection. Rotavirus and Norwalk-like viruses were detected viral agent by RT-PCR method. Of 101 stool samples obtained, rotavirus was detected in 25/101 (24.7%). Norwalk-like viruses were detected in 23/101 (22.7%). Dual infections were detected in 6/101 (5.9%). Rotavirus and Norwalk-like viruses peaked in the winter time. Clinical manifestations of rotavirus and Norwalk-like viruses were watery stool, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and fever Norwalk-like viruses and rotavirus were the most common etiologic agents in children with acute gastroenteritis in Thailand Epidemiology and clinical manifestations of rotavirus and Norwalk-like viruses were not different.

Detection of diarrheagenic viruses from diarrheal fecal samples collected from children in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Diarrhea causing viruses (Rotavirus. Adenovirus and Norovirus) were investigated in diarrheal fecal samples collected from children in Kathmandu, Nepal in Janury 2004 using both real time PCR and immuno-chromatogaphic techniques. Of the total 12 diarrheal samples investigated, 8 (66.7%) were positive for Rotavirus, 1 (8.3%) was positive for Adenovirus and none was positive for Norovirus (Norwalk like virus). The Adenovirus positive sample was also positive for Rotavirus. Similar results were obtained by immuno-chromatographic technique. All of Rotavirus detected belonged to Group-A. Results indicated that immuno-chromatographic technique was equally good in the detection of diarrhea causing viruses in fecal samples. Furthermore, it was simple, cost-effective and less time consuming (15 minutes) compared with the PCR. Immuno-chromatographic technique, therefore, appeared to be useful for rapid diagnosis of viral gastroenteritis in developing countries like Nepal.