How long does norovirus last
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Duration of Norovirus Infection: Insights from Recent Research
Acute Norovirus Infection Duration
Keywords: acute norovirus infection, self-limiting, gastroenteritis duration
Norovirus is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide, characterized by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. In healthy individuals, norovirus infections are typically self-limiting and last between 1 to 3 days1 10. The symptoms are generally mild, and the infection resolves without the need for medical intervention1 10.
Chronic Norovirus Infection in Immunocompromised Hosts
Keywords: chronic norovirus infection, immunocompromised hosts, prolonged shedding
In contrast to the short duration of acute infections, chronic norovirus infections can occur in immunocompromised individuals, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, or individuals with other immune deficiencies. These chronic infections can last from several weeks to years, posing significant challenges for clinical management1 7 8. For instance, a study found that norovirus shedding in immunocompromised pediatric patients could last from 37 to over 418 days7. Similarly, solid organ transplant recipients exhibited a median shedding period of 218 days, with some cases extending up to 1164 days8.
Norovirus Shedding Duration
Keywords: norovirus shedding, viral excretion, post-symptomatic shedding
Even after the resolution of acute symptoms, norovirus can continue to be shed in the feces. In immunocompetent individuals, this shedding typically lasts from one week to one month6. However, in certain cases, shedding can persist for longer periods. For example, a study documented a case of long-term shedding lasting about three months in an immunocompetent individual6. In aged-care settings, viral shedding was observed to continue for an average of 28.7 days, with a viral half-life of 2.5 days3.
Environmental Persistence of Norovirus
Keywords: norovirus environmental persistence, waterborne norovirus, infectivity duration
Norovirus can also persist in the environment for extended periods. Research has shown that norovirus in groundwater can remain infectious for at least 61 days and detectable for over three years2. This environmental persistence underscores the importance of effective sanitation and hygiene practices to prevent the spread of the virus.
Conclusion
The duration of norovirus infection varies significantly depending on the host's immune status. While acute infections in healthy individuals typically resolve within a few days, chronic infections in immunocompromised hosts can last for months or even years. Additionally, norovirus can persist in the environment for extended periods, highlighting the need for robust public health measures to control its spread. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective treatment and prevention strategies.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Norovirus infection in immunocompromised hosts.
Chronic norovirus infection in immunocompromised individuals can last weeks to years, making clinical management difficult.
Highly CitedNorovirus Infectivity in Humans and Persistence in Water
Norwalk virus in groundwater can remain detectable for over 3 years and can remain infectious for at least 61 days, making it a potential health risk for humans.
Non-RCT
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedNorovirus Excretion in an Aged-Care Setting
Norovirus genogroup II excretion in an aged-care facility peaked in the acute stage of illness and continued for an average of 28.7 days, with a viral half-life of 2.5 days.
Observational StudyHighly CitedViral shape-shifting: norovirus evasion of the human immune system
Noroviruses persist in human populations due to molecular and structural mechanisms that enable their evasion of the immune system, highlighting the need for effective vaccines and antiviral therapies.
Highly CitedDuration of Immunity to Norovirus Gastroenteritis
The duration of immunity to norovirus gastroenteritis is estimated at 4.1 to 8.7 years, with children under 5 years old being more infectious than older children and adults.
Highly CitedIdentification of GII.14[P7] norovirus and its genomic mutations from a case of long-term infection in a post-symptomatic individual.
Long-term shedding of GII.14 norovirus occurs in immunocompetent individuals without P2-domain mutations, suggesting a mechanism independent of P2-domain mutations.
Case ReportInfectious Norovirus Is Chronically Shed by Immunocompromised Pediatric Hosts
Chronic norovirus infections in immunocompromised pediatric patients can lead to continuous shedding of infectious virus, potentially increasing the likelihood of transmission and highlighting the importance of isolation precautions.
Observational StudyChronic norovirus infection among solid organ recipients in a tertiary care hospital, the Netherlands, 2006-2014.
Chronic norovirus infection is not rare among solid organ transplant recipients in a tertiary-care hospital.
Observational Study