Genetic Diversity and Phylogenetic Relationship of Human Norovirus Sequences Derived from Municipalities within the Sverdlovsk Region of Russia

Abstract

Human noroviruses (HuNoVs) are highly contagious pathogens responsible of norovirus-associated acute gastroenteritis (AGE). GII.4 is the prevailing HuNoV genotype worldwide. Currently there are no studies on the molecular monitoring and phylogenetic analysis of HuNoVs in the territory of the Sverdlovsk region; therefore, it is not possible to objectively assess their genetic diversity. The aim of the study is to carry out genotyping and phylogenetic analysis of HuNoVs in the Sverdlovsk region from 2022 to 2023. Fecal samples (n = 510) were collected from children suffering from HuNoV-AGE in municipalities of the Sverdlovsk region and the capsid genotype was determined by amplifying the ORF1/ORF2 junction. Of the 196 HuNoVs typed, which represent 38% of the studied samples, the largest share of HuNoV genotypes belong to the GII genogroup—86%, followed by the GI genogroup—14%. Noroviruses GII.4 and GII.17 were the co-dominant capsid genotypes (33.2% each). Phylogenetic analysis demonstrates that the identified sequences on the territory of the Sverdlovsk region have the smallest genetic distance, which gives grounds for their unification into a common cluster. Routine monitoring and phylogenetic analysis of circulating norovirus pathogens spectrum will enable timely tracking of HuNoVs genetic diversity and evolutionary events. This will lead to the development of more effective anti-epidemic measures, ultimately reducing the burden of infectious diseases.