Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Detection and Genogrouping of Noroviruses from Children's Stools By Taqman One-step RT-PCR
Published on: July 22, 2012
Novel recombinant norovirus in Japan
Shuvra Kanti Dey1, Tung Gia Phan, Masashi Mizuguchia
1Department of Developmental Medical Sciences, Institute of International Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
Novel recombinant norovirus strains were discovered in Japan through genetic analysis. The study pinpointed the recombination site within the open reading frame ORF1/ORF2 overlap in these norovirus strains.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Noroviruses are a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis globally.
- Understanding norovirus evolution is crucial for public health interventions.
- Recombination is a known mechanism for viral genetic diversity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize novel recombinant norovirus strains.
- To determine the genetic mechanisms and locations of recombination in noroviruses.
Main Methods:
- Genetic analysis of norovirus samples.
- Sequence analysis to identify recombination breakpoints.
- Phylogenetic analysis to understand strain origins.
Main Results:
- Identification of previously unknown, naturally occurring recombinant norovirus strains in Japan.
- Precise mapping of the recombination breakpoint to the ORF1/ORF2 overlap region.
- Genetic evidence supporting the role of recombination in norovirus evolution.
Conclusions:
- Recombination is an active evolutionary process for noroviruses in Japan.
- The ORF1/ORF2 overlap is a significant site for norovirus recombination.
- These findings contribute to the understanding of norovirus diversity and epidemiology.
Related Concept Videos
Bacterial Gastroenteritis
Inhibitors Of Virion Release
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
Influenza
Viral Recombination
Investigation of Disease Outbreaks

