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10:46
Production of Human Norovirus Protruding Domains in E. coli for X-ray Crystallography
Published on: April 19, 2016
Human, small round structured viruses, caliciviruses and astroviruses
Bailliere'S Clinical Gastroenterology
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Norovirus (Norwalk virus) and other small round structured viruses (SRSVs) cause widespread gastroenteritis outbreaks. Diagnosis remains challenging due to difficulties in cultivation and animal transmission, impacting public health surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Epidemiological studies of small round structured viruses (SRSVs), human caliciviruses, and astroviruses are hampered by challenges in cell culture and animal transmission.
- These viruses are recognized as significant causes of community and hospital-acquired gastroenteritis outbreaks, leading to considerable economic disruption.
- Contaminated water, shellfish, and food are identified as primary sources of infection, with SRSVs also linked to waterborne hepatitis E outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiological significance of SRSVs, human caliciviruses, and astroviruses in gastroenteritis.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and current limitations in studying these viral agents.
- To underscore the public health and economic impact of outbreaks caused by these common pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing epidemiological data on SRSVs, human caliciviruses, and astroviruses.
- Discussion of diagnostic techniques including electron microscopy (EM), radioimmunoassays (RIAs), and enzyme immunoassays (EIAs).
- Analysis of transmission routes and sources of infection, such as contaminated food and water.
Main Results:
- SRSVS are a major cause of gastroenteritis outbreaks with high attack rates, affecting all age groups.
- Illness symptoms are generally mild and short-lived, often not requiring medical attention, complicating laboratory investigation.
- Diagnosis is currently limited to specialized centers with access to EM or developed in-house assays.
Conclusions:
- Despite diagnostic limitations, SRSVs, human caliciviruses, and astroviruses are significant contributors to gastroenteritis outbreaks and sporadic cases.
- Improved diagnostic methods and surveillance are crucial for understanding the full impact of these viruses.
- Public health interventions focusing on food and water safety are essential to control the spread of these infections.
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