Sequence analysis of a minireovirus isolate showed 52% nucleotide sequence identity with Norwalk virus, indicating it should be included in the Caliciviridae family.
Minireovirus, previously identified by electron microscopy in pediatric gastroenteritis, is genetically classified as a Norwalk-like virus within the Caliciviridae family.
In 1977, 30- to 32-nm virus-like particles, named minireovirus because of their unique morphologic appearance, were detected by electron microscopy in the stools of infants and young children with gastroenteritis. Sequence analysis of approximately 2,800 consecutive bases derived from overlapping PCR clones of a recent minireovirus clinical isolate showed 52% nucleotide sequence identity with the Norwalk virus sequence and, in addition, demonstrated that the genomic organizations of these two viruses were similar. Our data show that minireovirus is a Norwalk-like virus and should now also be included in the Caliciviridae family.
Lew et al. (Sun,) conducted a other in gastroenteritis. Minireovirus vs. Norwalk virus was evaluated on Nucleotide sequence identity. Sequence analysis of a minireovirus isolate showed 52% nucleotide sequence identity with Norwalk virus, indicating it should be included in the Caliciviridae family.