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Norovirus classification and proposed strain nomenclature
Du-Ping Zheng1, Tamie Ando, Rebecca L Fankhauser
1Respiratory 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. dzheng@cdc.gov
Virology
|December 14, 2005
Summary
Genetic analysis is key for classifying norovirus (NoV) strains. This study proposes a standardized three-level classification system (strain, cluster, genogroup) for NoV based on major capsid protein sequences.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Norovirus (NoV) classification relies on genetic analysis due to the lack of a reliable culture system.
- Current sub-species level classification methods lack consensus and can lead to phylogenetic misinterpretations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a consistent and reliable scientific basis for classifying NoV strains.
- To develop a standardized nomenclature for genetically describing NoV strains.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of amino acid sequences of the major capsid protein from 164 NoV strains.
- Alignment based on predicted 3D structures and generation of a Bayesian tree.
- Evaluation of uncorrected pairwise distances and maximum likelihood pairwise distances.
Main Results:
- Identification of three distinct levels for NoV classification beneath the species level: strain (S), cluster (C), and genogroup (G).
- Defined pairwise distance ranges: S (0-14.1%), C (14.3-43.8%), and G (44.9-61.4%).
- Proposed a scheme of 29 genetic clusters across five genogroups (G1-G5), including newly described clusters.
Conclusions:
- The proposed three-level classification system provides a standardized approach for genetically describing NoV strains.
- This scheme enhances phylogenetic interpretation and aids in establishing a consensus for NoV classification.
- The findings support a robust nomenclature for future NoV research and public health surveillance.