Caliciviruses
| Categorization | |
|---|---|
| Genome: RNA Virus, Positive ssRNA Virus | Structure: Nonenveloped Virus, Icosahedral Virus |
| Overview |
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- Caliciviruses are a grouping of structurally-related viruses which primarily cause viral gastroenteritis. Norwalk Virus is the most prominent member of this group.
| Pathogenesis |
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- Norwalk Virus replicates within and damage the small intestinal enterocytes. In doing so, the virus deranges GI water and electrolyte absorption, clinically manifesting as diarrhea.
| Clinical Consequences |
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- Infection with norwalk virus is similar to but generally milder than infection with rotaviruses. A watery infectious diarrhea usually manifests 1-2 days following inoculation and is accompanied by fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The disease is typically self-limited and rarely leads to hospitalization.