Epidemiology of Acute Gastroenteritis Outbreaks Caused by Human Calicivirus (Norovirus and Sapovirus) in Catalonia: A Two Year Prospective Study, 2010-2011

Abstract

BackgroundThe epidemiology of cases of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) of viral etiology is a relevant public health issue. Due to underreporting, the study of outbreaks is an accepted approach to investigate their epidemiology. The objective of this study was to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of AGE outbreaks due to norovirus (NoV) and sapovirus (SV) in Catalonia.Material and MethodsProspective study of AGE outbreaks of possible viral etiology notified during two years in Catalonia. NoV and SV were detected by real time reverse transcription polymerase (RT-PCR).ResultsA total of 101 outbreaks were registered affecting a total of 2756 persons and 12 hospitalizations (hospitalization rate: 0.8x1,000,000 persons-year); 49.5% of outbreaks were foodborne, 45.5% person to person and 5% waterborne. The distribution of outbreaks according to the setting showed a predominance of catering services (39.6%), nursing homes and long term care facilities (26.8%) and schools (11.9%). The median number of cases per outbreak was 17 (range 2–191). The total Incidence rate (IR) was 18.3 per 100,000 persons-years (95%CI: 17.6–19.0). The highest IR was in persons aged ≥65 years (43.6x100,000 (95% CI: 41.0–46.2)) (p<0.001). A total of 1065 samples were analyzed with a positivity rate of 60.8%. 98% of positive samples were NoV (GII 56.3%; GI 4.2%; GII+GI 4.2%; non- typable 33.0%). SV was identified in two person-to-person transmission outbreaks in children.ConclusionsThese results confirm the relevance of viral AGE outbreaks, both foodborne and person-to-person, especially in institutionalized persons. SV should be taken into account when investigating viral AGE outbreaks.

Molecular epidemiology and genotype distributions of noroviruses and sapoviruses in Thailand 2000‐2016: A review

“…NoV and SaV are the most significant viral pathogens associated with food-and water-borne outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. 6,11 Wide variety of foods, waters, and environmental sources that is, bivalve shellfish, sandwiches, salads, lettuces, vegetables, tap water, canal water, drinking water, and waste water have been found to be contaminated by NoV and SaV, however, there is very little data on diarrhea associated with NoV and SaV contamination in food supplies and environmental sources in Thailand. In December 2005, NoV contamination was reported in oysters obtained from local markets in Bangkok as well as from oyster farms in southern part of Thailand.…”

“…They are currently recognized as etiological agents of acute gastroenteritis in humans and animals . In human, both of them cause the disease of all age groups in outbreaks and sporadic cases worldwide . The outbreaks usually occur in semi‐closed settings such as cruise ships, hotels, military facilities, schools, day‐care centers, nursing homes, and hospitals .…”

Genetic recombination and diversity of sapovirus in pediatric patients with acute gastroenteritis in Thailand, 2010–2018

“…Sapovirus (SaV) is one of the important pathogens that cause outbreaks and sporadic cases of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in people of all ages worldwide (Torner et al, 2016). Prevalences of SaV infection have been reported between 0.2% and 39% in children with AGE (Magwalivha et al, 2018) and between 2.2% and 15.6% in all age groups (Oka et al, 2015;Varela et al, 2019).…”

Norovirus GII.P16/GII.2 Strain in Shenzhen, China: A Retrospective Study

“…There were 203 NoV outbreaks were reported to Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The NoV infection was initially described as "winter vomiting disease" due to its seasonal preference [31], monthly distribution also indicated that the peak of the outbreak in Shenzhen was during the November to March. Previous study have found a link between NoV's increased number and climate or weather [32,33].…”