How is norovirus detected?

Mar 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Shen Yonghua

Introduction

Norovirus can be diagnosed through antigen testing, nucleic acid testing, serological testing, immuno-electron microscopy, and electron microscopy. Antigen and nucleic acid tests are commonly used methods that allow for rapid diagnosis of norovirus infection. Serological testing detects changes in antibodies, while immuno-electron microscopy and electron microscopy provide direct visualization of viral particles.

Under normal circumstances, norovirus can be detected through antigen testing, nucleic acid testing, serological testing, immunoelectron microscopy, electron microscopy, and other methods. If there are any concerns, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Antigen Testing

Antigen testing is primarily conducted using techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A patient's vomit or fecal sample is collected and sent to the laboratory for analysis to determine whether norovirus antigens exist in the sample. If two red lines appear on the test strip, it indicates a positive result, suggesting a possible norovirus infection.

2. Nucleic Acid Testing

Nucleic acid testing employs polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology to detect norovirus RNA sequences. A positive test result indicates the presence of norovirus nucleic acid fragments in the tested sample, which can be used for diagnosis.

3. Serological Testing

This method involves analyzing a patient's blood sample to determine whether a norovirus infection is present. Following a norovirus infection, antibody levels in the blood increase. Thus, a significant rise in antibody titer in the serum may be observed after infection.

4. Immunoelectron Microscopy

Immunoelectron microscopy involves detecting norovirus by using specific antibodies to bind to virus particles. The labeled virus particles can then be observed under an electron microscope. If numerous norovirus particles are observed, it suggests a possible norovirus infection.

5. Electron Microscopy

Immunoelectron microscopy utilizes electron microscopy to detect the presence of virus particles, analyze their morphology, and structure. If spherical virus particles with small diameters and protein coats are observed, a norovirus infection can generally be diagnosed.

It should be noted that a combination of the above testing methods may be required for diagnosis. To ensure accuracy, testing should be performed under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.

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What color is the stool in norovirus diarrhea?

Under normal circumstances, the stool color of diarrhea caused by norovirus infection is typically yellow or yellow-green, and may also appear as white or colorless watery stool. In daily life, it is important to pay attention to personal hygiene and develop the good habit of washing hands frequently, especially before meals and after using the toilet. Hands should be thoroughly washed with soap or hand wash under running water to reduce the chance of hand-to-mouth transmission of the virus.

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Does Norovirus cause elevated white blood cell count?

Under normal circumstances, whether norovirus infection causes elevated white blood cell counts mainly depends on the severity of the infection. If the norovirus infection is limited to the gastrointestinal tract and does not trigger a significant systemic response, white blood cell counts typically remain normal. However, if the infection leads to a severe systemic stress response, complications, or concurrent bacterial infection, white blood cell counts may increase. If you experience any discomfort, prompt medical attention is recommended.