<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF VIROGROUP, INC. FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997 
AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             SEP-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-31-1997
<CASH>                                         596,408
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                2,291,645
<ALLOWANCES>                                   310,258
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             2,696,042
<PP&E>                                       2,004,161
<DEPRECIATION>                               1,663,292
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               3,563,969
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                        3,398,671
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         7,952
<OTHER-SE>                                     157,346
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 3,563,969
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             6,884,742
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                5,175,925
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                             4,488,295
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                72,526
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             212,701
<INCOME-PRETAX>                             (2,892,716)
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                         (2,892,716)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                (2,892,716)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (3.64)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (3.64)