Key result
Norovirus RNA occurs in ~8% of inpatients with GI complaints, predominantly the GII.4 strain.
Why the study?
Noroviruses are a main cause of gastroenteritis globally across all age groups, prompting the assessment of their local epidemiology and genetic diversity.
Observational (n=7,509)
The study highlights the varying distribution of norovirus genotypes depending on season, age, and setting, emphasizing the need for frequent genotyping to inform vaccine development.
Norovirus surveillance in inpatients may guide vaccine strain selection; leaves open optimal genotyping frequency.
Globally and in all age groups, noroviruses are a main cause of gastroenteritis. To assess their local epidemiology and genetic diversity, stool samples of 7509 inpatients with gastrointestinal complaints from all age groups were analyzed. After detection of norovirus genogroup I and II RNA by real-time RT-PCR, viral capsids were genotyped by partial nucleic acid sequencing. In the case of GII.2 strains, polymerase genotypes were also assessed. Between October 2013 and September 2017, presence of norovirus RNA was shown in 611 samples (8.1%), of which 610 (99.8%) were typed successfully. Norovirus positivity rate was higher in patients aged below five years (14.8%) than in older patients (5.7%). Among the 611 norovirus positive samples, GII.4 (56.6%) strains prevailed, followed by GII.6 (11.3%), GII.3 (11.0%) and GII.2 (9.5%). The most common genogroup I (GGI) genotype was GI.3 (3.6%). In addition, rare genotypes such as GII.13, GII.14 and GII.26 were detected. Interestingly, GII.3 infections were most common in children under the age of five years. Assessment of polymerase genotypes in GII.2 viruses showed a shift from P2 to P16, with higher diversity in P2 sequences. The varying distribution of norovirus genotypes depending on season, age and setting of infection highlights the importance of frequent genotyping as a basis for vaccine development and needful adjustments.
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Ennuschat et al. (2021) conducted an observational in Gastroenteritis (n=7,509). Norovirus genotyping was evaluated on Presence of norovirus RNA. Among 7509 inpatients with gastrointestinal complaints, norovirus RNA was detected in 8.1%, with GII.4 (56.6%) being the most prevalent strain, followed by GII.6 (11.3%) and GII.3 (11.0%).
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