Detection and molecular characterization of emergent GII.P17/GII.17 Norovirus in Brazil, 2015

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• The GII.17 Kawasaki_2014 norovirus (NoV) variant has recently been detected in Brazil.
• This variant has emerged in Asia, causing outbreaks and displacing the previously dominant GII.4 strains.
• Understanding the introduction and spread of novel NoV strains is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the origin and introduction events of the GII.17 Kawasaki_2014 norovirus variant in Brazil.
• To analyze the phylogenetic relationships of the detected GII.17 strains.
• To emphasize the importance of continuous molecular surveillance for norovirus.

Main Methods:

• Phylogenetic analysis of norovirus strains.
• Molecular epidemiology to trace introduction events.
• Detection of the GII.17 Kawasaki_2014 variant.

Main Results:

• At least four independent introduction events of the GII.17 lineage into Brazil were identified.
• Introductions occurred throughout 2014, coinciding with the FIFA World Cup.
• Hong Kong was identified as the most probable source of introduction into Brazil.

Conclusions:

• The emergence and spread of the GII.P17/GII.17 variant in Brazil underscore the dynamic nature of norovirus evolution.
• Active laboratory surveillance, including molecular epidemiology, is essential for monitoring NoV.
• Continued studies on virus evolution are necessary to anticipate and manage future norovirus outbreaks.