Norovirus

Norovirus analyzes genetic and epidemiological data of Genogroup II noroviruses to support molecular characterization and surveillance of acute gastroenteritis.

Key Features:

• Data collection and analysis: Processes stool specimens from 1,433 children under five years diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis collected at the Children's Hospital of Fudan University (January 2012–December 2017) and amplifies RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and partial capsid genes by conventional reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
• Genotyping: Uses the Norovirus Genotyping Tool v.2.0 to assign RdRp and capsid genotypes to the obtained sequences.
• Phylogenetic analysis: Performs evolutionary and diversity analyses of norovirus sequences using MEGA 6.0.

Scientific Applications:

• Epidemiological insights: Reports a 15.4% detection rate of GII noroviruses among samples with a peak detection of 19.2% in children aged 7–12 months and higher prevalence in autumn and winter.
• Genotype prevalence: Identifies GII.Pe as the predominant RdRp genotype from 2013–2017 with GII.P4 dominant in 2012, and capsid genotype GII.4 as most prevalent from 2012–2017.
• Genetic diversity and evolution: Reveals 19 RdRp/capsid genotype clusters with 12 discordant RdRp/capsid combinations and documents replacement of the pandemic GII.P4-2006b/GII.4-2006b subtype by GII.Pe/GII.4-Sydney_2012 beginning in 2013.

Methodology:

Conventional RT-PCR targeting RdRp and partial capsid genes was used to obtain sequences, which were genotyped with the Norovirus Genotyping Tool v.2.0 and subjected to phylogenetic analysis in MEGA 6.0.