Epidemics of Norovirus GII.4 Variant in Outbreak Cases in Korea, 2004–2012

Abstract

Norovirus GII.4 is recognized as a worldwide cause of nonbacterial outbreaks. In particular, the GII.4 variant occurs every 2–3 years according to antigenic variation. The aim of our study was to identify GII.4 variants in outbreaks in Korea during 2004–2012. Partial VP1 sequence of norovirus GII.4-related outbreaks during 2004–2012 was analyzed. The partial VP1 sequence was detected with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, seminested polymerase chain reaction, and nucleotide sequence of 312-314 base pairs for phylogenetic comparison. Nine variants emerged in outbreaks, with the Sydney variant showing predominance recently. This predominance may persist for at least 3 years, although new variants may appear in Korea.

Genotypic and Epidemiological Trends of Acute Gastroenteritis Associated with Noroviruses in China from 2006 to 2016

“…Those NoVs that infect humans belong to GI, GII and GIV, whereas GIII and GV infect bovine and mice species, respectively, and GVI and GVII infect canine species [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]. GII.4 account for the majority of adult outbreaks of gastroenteritis and often sweep across the globe [ 5 , 6 ]. Periodic increases in NoV outbreaks tend to occur in association with the emergence of new GII.4 strains that evade population immunity [ 7 ].…”

Norovirus outbreaks occurred in different settings in the Republic of Korea

“…Nine variants were emerged in outbreaks, with the Sydney variant showing predominance recently. The authors concluded that this predominance may persist for at least three years, although new variants may appear in Korea [7] .…”