Genetic diversity and molecular epidemiology of Norwalk-like viruses

J Infect Dis. 2000 Sep;182(3):691-7. doi: 10.1086/315780. Epub 2000 Aug 2.

Abstract

Specimens (n=287) from 59 gastroenteritis outbreaks collected from February 1997 to March 1999 were analyzed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The majority of outbreaks (88%) were associated with Norwalk-like viruses. Molecular analyses of strains from 46 outbreaks showed the cocirculation during the 1998-1999 winter of 2 genogroup II clusters, accounting for 57% and 28% of outbreaks, respectively. An important genetic diversity was observed during this 2-year period. Thirteen different genogroup II strains and 3 different genogroup I strains were found. Genogroup I strains, although from the same cluster, were highly divergent (9%-16%). Epidemiologic and molecular data indicate that several introductions did not result in any major shift of prominent strains, whereas 1 apparently established itself. Some point mutations allowed corroboration of epidemiologic links and strongly suggest that, in several instances, sharing staff and/or transfer of patients between health care institutions can create a significant risk for Norwalk-like virus dissemination.

MeSH terms

  • Base Sequence
  • Caliciviridae / genetics*
  • Caliciviridae / ultrastructure
  • Canada / epidemiology
  • DNA, Viral / chemistry
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Gastroenteritis / epidemiology
  • Gastroenteritis / virology
  • Genetic Variation*
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phylogeny
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • DNA, Viral