wha is the southampton virus
Medicine. Noroviruses are recognised world-wide as the most important cause of epidemic nonbacterial gastroenteritis (stomach bugs) and pose a significant public health burden, with an estimated one million cases per year in the UK. In the past, noroviruses have also been called âwinter vomiting viruses'.By crystallising the key protease enzyme, the research team from the University has been able to design an inhibitor that interacts with the enzyme from the âSouthampton' norovirus.The inhibitor works by preventing the enzyme in the norovirus from working, stopping the spread of infection.The virus is called the Southampton virus because this particular virus was first found in an outbreak that came from a family in Southampton.niversity of Southampton virologist Professor Ian Clarke says: Noroviruses place a huge burden on the NHS. This is an important step forward in the rational design of new drugs to treat norovirus infections.