The main difference between Norovirus and Norwalk virus is that Norovirus is a group of viruses called caliciviruses, whereas Norwalk virus is an originally discovered strain of Norovirus.
Norovirus and Norwalk virus are two types of caliciviruses. They are very contagious viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting. Also, both are single-stranded RNA viruses.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Norovirus
– Definition, Facts, Features
2. What is Norwalk Virus
– Definition, Facts, Features
3. Similarities Between Norovirus and Norwalk Virus
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Norovirus and Norwalk Virus
– Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Norovirus and Norwalk Virus
– Answers to frequently asked questions
Key Terms
Norovirus, Norwalk Virus
What is Norovirus
Norovirus refers to a virus that causes winter vomiting disease. Also, it is the main cause of gastroenteritis. The characteristics of the Norovirus infection include non-bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Headaches and fever can also occur. Symptoms develop 12 to 48 hours after the exposing to the infection. Patients can recover within one to three days. The only complication is dehydration. However, it occurs in old and those with health problems. Moreover, the fecal-oral route is the main method of spreading the diseases. Contaminated food, water, and person-to-person contact are the mechanisms of spreading the disease.
Figure 1: Norovirus
What is Norwalk Virus
Norwalk virus is a type of calicivirus that causes acute diarrhea and vomiting. Also, it is a strain of Norovirus. Abdominal cramps, malaise, myalgias, headache, nausea, and low-grade fever are the symptoms of the Norwalk virus. Norwalk virus is a non-enveloped virus with a diameter of 27 nm. The virus contains a cup-shaped depression on the surface of the spherical capsid. The name calicivirus implies the cup-shaped depressions on the surface of the virus. The genome of the Norwalk virus contains single-stranded, positive sense RNA. It encodes for a single structural protein.
Figure 2: Norwalk Virus
Furthermore, the infection of the virus occurs through oral ingestion. The virus grows in the small intestine. The virus also causes respiratory tract and mucocutaneous lesions in animals, including swine, pinnipeds, and cats. However, the Norwalk virus is not cultivated in vitro. Also, there is no vaccine developed for the Norwalk virus.
Similarities Between Norovirus and Norwalk Virus
- Norovirus and Norwalk virus are two viruses belonging to the family Caliciviridae.
- They cause diarrhea and vomiting.
- Also, they are very contagious viruses.
- They are single-stranded RNA viruses.
Difference Between Norovirus and Norwalk Virus
Definition
Norovirus refers to any single-stranded RNA viruses, including the Norwalk virus and closely related viruses. In contrast, Norwalk virus refers to a virus that can cause epidemics of severe gastroenteritis.
Significance
Norovirus is a group of viruses that are called calicivirus, while Norwalk virus is an originally discovered strain of Norovirus.
FAQ: Norovirus and Norwalk Virus
What is the difference between Norwalk and rotavirus?
The incubation period for Norovirus is 12-48 hours, while the incubation period for rotavirus is two days. The symptoms of Norovirus can last for one to three days. But the rotavirus’s symptoms last for three to eight days.
What is another name for Norovirus?
Viral gastroenteritis, food poisoning, and calicivirus are the other names of Norovirus. Gastroenteritis caused by the Norovirus infection is a stomach and intestine inflammation. Also, norovirus infection is by far the leading cause of foodborne illness.
What’s the difference between Norovirus and gastroenteritis?
Noroviruses are a group of viruses called calicivirus. “Norwalk-like viruses” are the previous name for the Norovirus. Also, Norovirus affects the stomach and intestines, causing the illness of gastroenteritis.
Conclusion
In brief, Norovirus and Norwalk virus are two caliciviruses. They are very contagious viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting. Norovirus is a type of calicivirus. Also, the Norwalk virus is a strain of Norovirus. Therefore, the main difference between Norovirus and Norwalk virus is their type.
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023b, July 31). Norovirus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Blacklow NR. Norwalk Virus and Other Caliciviruses. In: Baron S, editor. Medical Microbiology. 4th edition. Galveston (TX): University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston; 1996. Chapter 65.
Image Courtesy:
- “Cicle de norovirus” By Campillay-Véliz CP, Carvajal JJ, Avellaneda AM, Escobar D, Covián C, Kalergis AM and Lay MK – Own Work (CC-BY 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
- “Norwalk Caspid” By Prasad, B.V., Hardy, M.E., Dokland, T., Bella, J., Rossmann, M.G., Estes, M.K. – Own Work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
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