Abstract |
The application of electron microscopic techniques in the study of human gastroenteritis led in the 1970's to the identification of new viral agents that had previously escaped detection by routine cell culture procedures. These agents have been the focus of study by researchers in many areas of the world and improved detection methods for these agents continue to be developed. Two or the best-known agents, rotavirus and Norwalk virus, have been implicated in waterborne outbreaks of this illness. Another virus, the Snow Mountain agent, was first identified from the investigation of one outbreak. |