Genetic and antigenic diversity among noroviruses.

Human norovirus (NoV) strains cause a considerable number of outbreaks of gastroenteritis worldwide. Based on their capsid gene (VP1) sequence, human NoV strains can be grouped into two genogroups (GI and GII) and at least 14 GI and 17 GII genotypes (GI/1-14 and GII/1-17). Human NoV strains cannot be propagated in cell-culture systems, but expression of recombinant VP1 in insect cells results in the formation of virus-like particles (VLPs). In order to understand NoV antigenic relationships better, cross-reactivity among 26 different NoV VLPs was analysed. Phylogenetic analyses grouped these NoV strains into six GI and 12 GII genotypes. An antibody ELISA using polyclonal antisera raised against these VLPs was used to determine cross-reactivity. Antisera reacted strongly with homologous VLPs; however, a number of novel cross-reactivities among different genotypes was observed. For example, GI/11 antiserum showed a broad-range cross-reactivity, detecting two GI and 10 GII genotypes. Likewise, GII/1, GII/10 and GII/12 antisera showed a broad-range cross-reactivity, detecting several other distinct GII genotypes. Alignment of VP1 amino acid sequences suggested that these broad-range cross-reactivities were due to conserved amino acid residues located within the shell and/or P1-1 domains. However, unusual cross-reactivities among different GII/3 antisera were found, with the results indicating that both conserved amino acid residues and VP1 secondary structures influence antigenicity.

[Poliovirus uptake into and excretion from oysters: a model experiment for elimination of Norwalk-like viruses from oysters].

Outbreaks of gastroenteritis caused by Norwalk-like viruses are often induced by the consumption of raw shellfish such as oysters. Incidences reach a peak during the cold season in Japan, when seawater temperatures fall below 10 degrees C. We investigated oysters' uptake and excretion of viruses, over varying lengths of exposure, monitoring the effects of changes in temperature and flow rate of seawater, and the presence of plankton. The study was performed using a poliovirus and an experimental circulatory system, which was framed on the same principle as a model practically used for the depuration of oysters. Polioviruses present in the seawater were taken rapidly into the midgut gland of oysters. However, virus levels detected in oysters at both 10 degrees C and 20 degrees C were decreased to approximately 1/1,000 to 1/10,000 within 6 hrs after the circulatory seawater was replaced by UV irradiated seawater. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the circulatory depuration system for the elimination of poliovirus from oysters, and indicate that controlling the temperature and flow rate of the circulatory system could decrease the risk of NLV infection.