SMALL SPHERICAL VIRUSES IN FAECES FROM GASTROENTERITIS PATIENTS

Abstract

Fecal samples from 238 patients with gastroenteritis were examined by direct EM using grids with thin C film. Of these samples, 18 contained Norwalk agent-like particles, calicivirus, astrovirus and parvovirus-like particles. Immune electron microscopy was performed on a serum pair and feces from 1 of the patients with astrovirus. An antibody response was demonstrated, suggesting that the virus was the etiological agent of the infection.