Incidence of human calicivirus and rotavirus infection in patients with gastroenteritis in South Africa

Abstract

Human caliciviruses (HuCVs) are reportedly responsible for 2.5-4% of nonbacterial sporadic gastroenteritis. The incidence of HuCV infection in South Africa is unknown. Stool specimens from 1,296 South African patients with sporadic gastroenteritis were screened for the presence of HuCVs using electron microscopy, recombinant enzyme immunoassays for Norwalk (NV) and Mexican (MX) viruses, and the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RT-PCR products were sequenced to ascertain which HuCV genogroups were present. HuCVs were detected in 43/1,296 (3.3%) specimens examined, with RT-PCR proving to be the most sensitive detection method. Genetic analysis of the isolates indicated that 81% were Snow Mountain Agent, or MX-like; 8% were NV-like; and 11% were HuCV/Sapporo-like. This study indicates that a combination of assays is needed for the accurate detection of HuCVs. Comparative data on hospitalised patients showed that the incidence of rotavirus infection was approximately ten times greater than that of HuCV infection.

Emerging norovirus GII.4 2008 variant detected in hospitalised paediatric patients in South Africa

“…These results are consistent with recent studies that describe RV as the most prevalent and NoV as the second most important viral agent causing gastroenteritis in children (RV 16.6-71.4%; NoV 12-17.3%). [31][32][33][34][35] The NoV and SaV prevalence determined in the current study is higher than previously estimated in the same region, 17 which could be attributed to the more sensitive realtime RT-PCR detection method applied. NoVs were detected only in children up to 2 years old (median age 8 months), which is in agreement with studies in Brazil and Nicaragua where more frequent NoV infections in children ≤2 years old were reported.…”

“…16 In 1997, the prevalence of HuCV infection in SA was estimated to be 3.3%, with NoVs representing 89% and sapoviruses (SaVs) 11%. 17 NoV GI and GII viruses were identified, but the GII strains (Mexicolike) predominated. A seroepidemiological study in the Pretoria area of SA indicated that 57% of children were exposed to NoV by 1-2 years of age and that 62% of the population was seropositive by the age of 40.…”

Detection of calicivirus from fecal samples from children with acute gastroenteritis in the West Central region of Brazil

“…Other authors have reported similar results (Wolfaardt et al 1997, Bon et al1999, Bereciartu et al 2002.…”

Diverse sapovirus genotypes identified in children hospitalised with gastroenteritis in selected regions of South Africa

“…Five different SaV genotypes were identified in HIV-seropositive children in Kenya [18]. In South Africa (SA), SaVs were first reported in 1997 in 0.4% of patients with sporadic gastroenteritis [19]. In 2008, SaVs were reported in 4% (10/245) of specimens from children hospitalised with gastroenteritis in the Pretoria region of Gauteng (GP), SA, but the strains were not further characterised [20].…”