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Identification of a distinct common strain of "Norwalk-like viruses" having a global distribution
J S Noel1, R L Fankhauser, T Ando
1Viral Gastroenteritis Section, Respiratory and Enteric Viruses Branch, Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. jsn0@cdc.gov
Abstract:
"Norwalk-like viruses" (NLVs) are the most common cause of outbreaks of nonbacterial gastroenteritis. During molecular surveillance of NLV strains from 152 outbreaks of gastroenteritis that occurred in the US between August 1993 and July 1997, we identified an NLV strain that predominated during the 1995-1996 season. The "95/96-US" strain caused 60 outbreaks in geographically distant locations within the US and was identified, by sequence comparisons, in an additional 7 countries on 5 continents during the same period. This is the first demonstration linking a single NLV strain globally and suggests that the circulation of these strains might involve patterns of transmission not previously considered. The diagnostic techniques are now available to establish a global network for surveillance of NLV strains that would highlight the importance of NLVs worldwide and allow molecular identification of common strains having a global distribution so as to consider interventions for their control.
Insights
A predominant Norwalk-like virus (NLV) strain caused widespread gastroenteritis outbreaks in the US and globally during 1995-1996. This finding highlights the potential for single NLV strains to circulate internationally, necessitating global surveillance.
Area of Science:
- * Virology
- * Epidemiology
- * Public Health
Background:
- * Norwalk-like viruses (NLVs) are a leading cause of nonbacterial gastroenteritis outbreaks.
- * Understanding the epidemiology and transmission patterns of NLVs is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To identify and characterize predominant NLV strains during a specific surveillance period.
- * To investigate the geographic distribution and potential global circulation of identified NLV strains.
Main Methods:
- * Molecular surveillance of NLV strains from 152 gastroenteritis outbreaks in the US (1993-1997).
- * Sequence comparisons to identify and track specific NLV strains.
- * Analysis of outbreak data to determine geographic spread and seasonality.
Main Results:
- * A single NLV strain, designated
- 95/96-US
- predominated during the 1995-1996 season.
- * This strain caused 60 outbreaks across geographically diverse US locations.
- * The
- 95/96-US
- strain was also detected in 7 additional countries on 5 continents during the same period.
Conclusions:
- * This study provides the first evidence of a single NLV strain with a global distribution.
- * The findings suggest complex transmission patterns for NLVs, potentially involving international spread.
- * Development of a global NLV surveillance network is recommended for molecular identification and control of common, globally distributed strains.