MedWorm: Norovirus

Norovirus causes most hospital outbreaks

Health News - UPI.com — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:23:29 +0100

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 (UPI) -- Norovirus, a pathogen that often causes food poisoning and gastroenteritis, is the leading cause of infectious outbreaks in U.S. hospitals, researchers said. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Norovirus Sends Hundreds To Hospitals In Boston Area

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:15:33 +0100

BOSTON (CBS) – It’s been a rough cold and flu season so far and now hospitals are being flooded with patients suffering a severe stomach bug. In the MetroWest area, hundreds have visited emergency rooms over the past few weeks. Doctors say the norovirus, a highly contagious stomach flu is to blame. Health officials say once it starts, it’s very difficult to contain. WBZ-TV’s Ken MacLeod reports var videoCanvas = new WNVideoWidget("WNVideoCanvas", "wnVideo_6706243");videoCanvas.SetWidth(320);videoCanvas.SetHeight(240);videoCanvas.SetVariable("clipId", "6706243");videoCanvas.SetReportingKeywords("CBS.BOSTON");videoCanvas.SetAdvertisingZone("CBS.BOSTON/worldnowplayer");videoCanvas.SetVariable("offFaceColor", "afaeae");videoCanvas.SetVariable("overFaceColor", "ffffff");...

Norovirus Top Cause of Hospital Infection Outbreaks, Says Study

The Doctors Lounge - Infections — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:00 +0100

Gastrointestinal bug causes vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea (Source: The Doctors Lounge - Infections)

Norovirus Causes Most Hospital Infection Outbreaks

MedicineNet Crohn's Disease General — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Norovirus Causes Most Hospital Infection OutbreaksCategory: Health NewsCreated: 2/3/2012 11:01:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 2/3/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Crohn's Disease General)

The Leading Cause Of Infection Outbreaks In US Hospitals Is Norovirus

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

Norovirus, a pathogen that often causes food poisoning and gastroenteritis, was responsible for 18.2 percent of all infection outbreaks and 65 percent of ward closures in U.S. hospitals during a two-year period, according to a new study published in the February issue of the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC), the official publication of APIC - the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Norovirus Causes Most Hospital Infection Outbreaks

WebMD Health — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Norovirus is the leading cause of infection outbreaks in hospitals throughout the country, a new study reveals. (Source: WebMD Health)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Frequency of outbreak investigations in US hospitals: Results of a national survey of infection preventionists

American Journal of Infection Control — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Norovirus is emerging as an increasingly common hospital-associated organism causing outbreaks in nonacute settings and may lead to unit/department closures. (Source: American Journal of Infection Control)

Norovirus is the leading cause of infection outbreaks in US hospitals

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Elsevier Health Sciences) Norovirus, a pathogen that often causes food poisoning and gastroenteritis, was responsible for 18.2 percent of all infection outbreaks and 65 percent of ward closures in US hospitals during a two-year period, according to a new study published in the February issue of the American Journal of Infection Control, the official publication of APIC - the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Characteristics, Services, and Infection Control Practices of New York City Assisted Living Facilities, 2010

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionNYC ALFs were varied in terms of nursing services offered, characteristics, and residents’ needs; therefore, public health agencies may need to be flexible in their assistance. Public health agencies should consider strengthening relationships with ALFs to identify unmet needs and gaps in services. (Source: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society)

GP and Practice Team Bulletin - December 2011/January 2012

NeLM - News — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Source: Department of Health (DH) Area: News This edition for December 2011 and January 2012 includes the latest information from the NHS Future Forum and government response, an update on the development of clinical commissioning groups, and also information on the PiP implants, guidance on norovirus and resources for the 2012 Quit Kit campaign and bowel cancer awareness. (Source: NeLM - News)

GP and Practice Team Bulletin – December 2011/January 2012

NHS Networks — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Also included is the latest information available on the PiP implants, guidance on norovirus and resources for the 2012 Quit Kit campaign and bowel cancer awareness. (Source: NHS Networks)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Effect of high hydrostatic pressure on murine norovirus in manila clams

Letters in Applied Microbiology — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 03:52:15 +0100

In this study we investigated the ability of HHP to inactivate murine norovirus (MNV‐1), a recognised surrogate for NoV, in experimentally contaminated manila clams. Pools of contaminated live clams were subjected to hydrostatic pressure ranging from 300 to 500 MPa for different time intervals of between one and 10 min. The trial was repeated three times, at monthly intervals. Virus vitality post‐treatment was assessed and the data obtained indicates that the use of high hydrostatic pressures of at least 500 MPa for 1 min was effective in inactivating MNV‐1.© No claim to Italian Government works (Source: Letters in Applied Microbiology)

Updates on the genetic variations of Norovirus in sporadic gastroenteritis in Chungnam Korea, 2009-2010

Virology Journal — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Previously, we explored the epidemic pattern and molecular characterization of noroviruses (NoVs) isolated in Chungnam, Korea in 2008, and the present study extended these observations to 2009 and 2010. In Korea, NoVs showed the seasonal prevalence from late fall to spring, and widely detected in preschool children and peoples over 60 years of age. Epidemiological pattern of NoV was similar in 2008 and in 2010, but pattern in 2009 was affected by pandemic influenza A/H1N1 2009 virus. NoV-positive samples were subjected to sequence determination of the capsid gene region, which resolved the isolated NoVs into five GI (2, 6, 7, 9 and 10) and eleven GII genotypes (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 16 and 17). The most prevalent genotype was GII.4 and occupied 130 out of 211 NoV isolates (61.6%). C...

CDC Releases Toolkit to Help Clinicians Combat Norovirus Disease Outbreaks

AAFP Health of the Public — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:15:00 +0100

The CDC has announced the availability of a new toolkit designed to help health care professionals control and prevent norovirus gastroenteritis outbreaks in health care settings. According to the CDC, noroviruses are the (Source: AAFP Health of the Public)

Misery-inducing Norovirus Can Survive for Months -- Perhaps Years -- in Drinking Water

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:30:00 +0100

[More] (Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed)

Increase of GII.2 norovirus infections during the 2009–2010 season in Osaka City, Japan

Journal of Medical Virology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:19:47 +0100

This study revealed that the NoV epidemic in the 2009–2010 season differed considerably from the prior season, when GII.4 was predominant. Furthermore, GII.2 strains persisted in human populations by drastic recombination and gradual accumulation of mutations, indicating a prevalent pattern of non‐GII.4 genotypes with genetic evolution. J. Med. Virol. 84:517–525, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Journal of Medical Virology)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Purification of norovirus-like particles (VLPs) by ion exchange chromatography.

Journal of Virological Methods — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Koho T, Mäntylä T, Laurinmäki P, Huhti L, Butcher S, Vesikari T, Kulomaa MS, Hytönen VP Abstract Recombinant expression of the norovirus capsid protein VP1 leads to self-assembly of non-infectious virus-like particles (VLPs), which are recognized as promising vaccine candidates against norovirus infections. To overcome the scalability issues connected to the ultracentrifugation-based purification strategies used in previous studies, an anion exchange-based purification method for norovirus VLPs was developed in this study. The method consists of precipitation by polyethylene glycol (PEG) and a single anion exchange chromatography step for purifying baculovirus-expressed GII.4 norovirus VLPs, which can be performed within one day. High product purity was obtained using ...

Marked genomic diversity of Norovirus genogroup I strains in a waterborne outbreak.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Nenonen NP, Hannoun C, Larsson CU, Bergström T Abstract Marked Norovirus (NoV) diversity was detected in patient samples from a large community outbreak of gastroenteritis with waterborne epidemiology affecting approximately 2400 people. NoV was detected in 33 of 50 patient samples examined by group-specific real-time RT-PCR. NoV genotype (G)I strains predominated in 31 patients with mixed GI infections occurring in five of these patients. Sequence-analysis of RNA-dependent polymerase-N/S capsid-coding regions (approx. 900 nt) confirmed dominance of GI strains (n=36). Strains of NoV GI.4 (n=21), and GI.7 (n=9) were identified, but 6 strains required full capsid amino acid analyses (530-550 aa,) before definitive genotyping based on control sequencing of cloned amplicons. ...

Evaluation of methods measuring the capsid integrity and/or functions of noroviruses by heat inactivation.

Journal of Virological Methods — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Li D, Baert L, Xia M, Zhong W, Van Coillie E, Jiang X, Uyttendaele M Abstract Attempts were made to evaluate methods measuring the capsid integrity and/or functions of noroviruses (NoVs) following heat treatment. Intact viruses (Murine Norovirus-1 [MNV-1] and human NoV GII.4), virus like particles (VLPs) and P particles (expressed in vitro from the protruding domain of the viral capsid) of NoVs were used in this study. Following heat treatment, no significant difference of viral titer of MNV-1 versus NoV GII.4 was observed by RNase One RT-PCR or cell-binding RT-PCR, although cell-binding RT-PCR (to measure the capsid functions) revealed higher reductions than RNase One RT-PCR (to measure the capsid integrity). These results indicate that the function assay for receptor bin...

Norovirus Outbreak in UK Hospitals

About.com Pediatrics — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:02:39 +0100

Many people are aware of the norovirus because of its connection with outbreaks of vomiting and diarrhea on cruise ships. Unfortunately, cruise ships aren't the only place you can get sick with norovirus. Each year, up to 21 million people in the United States get sick with norovirus, including people in hospitals, nursing homes, restaurants, daycare centers and schools....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Pediatrics)

A model of the transmission of micro‐organisms in a public setting and its correlation to pathogen infection risks

Journal of Applied Microbiology — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our results suggest that infection risks are mainly dependent on current infectious doses of pathogens. For enteritic viruses or bacteria, for example Norovirus or EHEC, only a few particles or cells are sufficient for infection in public lavatories, thus bearing a high risk of infection for other persons. However, there seems to be only a low probability of becoming infected with pathogens that have a high infectious dose whilst sharing the same bathroom.Significance and Impact of the Study: The transmission model for micro‐organisms enables a risk assessment of gastro‐intestinal infections on the basis of a practical approach. (Source: Journal of Applied Microbiology)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

A model of the transmission of microorganisms in a public setting and its correlation to pathogen infection risks

Journal of Applied Microbiology — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our results suggest that infection risks are mainly dependent on current infectious doses of pathogens. For enteritic viruses or bacteria, e.g. Norovirus or EHEC, only a few particles or cells are sufficient for infection in public lavatories, thus bearing a high risk of infection for other persons. However, there seems to be only a low probability of becoming infected with pathogens that have a high infectious dose whilst sharing the same bathroom.Significance and Impact of the Study: The transmission model for microorganisms enables a risk assessment of gastro‐intestinal infections on the basis of a practical approach.© 2012The Authors Journal of Applied Microbiology© 2012 The Society for Applied Microbiology (Source: Journal of Applied Microbiology)

Norovirus outbreaks rise

Telegraph Health — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 08:00:50 +0100

Hospital outbreaks of norovirus have increased by a third while enquiries from worried patients are up 60 per cent, official figures have revealed. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Characterization and inhibition of norovirus proteases of genogroups I and II using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay.

Virology — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Chang KO, Takahashi D, Prakash O, Kim Y Abstract Noroviruses are the major cause of food- or water-borne gastroenteritis outbreaks in humans. The norovirus protease that cleaves a large viral polyprotein to nonstructural proteins is essential for virus replication and an attractive target for antiviral drug development. Noroviruses show high genetic diversity with at least five genogroups, GI-GV, of which GI and GII are responsible for the majority of norovirus infections in humans. We cloned and expressed proteases of Norwalk virus (GI) and MD145 virus (GII) and characterized the enzymatic activities with fluorescence resonance energy transfer substrates. We demonstrated that the GI and GII proteases cleaved the substrates derived from the naturally occurring cleavage sit...

Norovirus 'within expected levels'

HSJ — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 10:21:00 +0100

The number of NHS beds closed due to norovirus-type symptoms has doubled within a week but is still within expected levels, the government has said. (Source: HSJ)

Specimen Collection and Confirmation of Norovirus OutbreaksSpecimen Collection and Confirmation of Norovirus Outbreaks

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 04:00:00 +0100

How many stool specimens are needed to confirm norovirus? Emerging Infectious Diseases (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Cruise Ship Bug Takes to the Skies

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 23:03:08 +0100

Holiday travel is a recipe for infection. And recent studies have shown how easily the infamous cruise ship bug, norovirus, can be transmitted on planes. [More] (Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed)

HPA publishes gastrointestinal infections annual report (2010)

NeLM - News — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency (HPA) Area: News The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has published its first annual report on gastrointestinal infections, covering the development of surveillance systems, and reporting surveillance data on food-borne and non-food-borne outbreaks in 2010, then specifically data on Vero Cytotoxin-producing E coli, salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter, Norovirus and other gastrointestinal pathogens. Please see the link below for details. (Source: NeLM - News)

Winter vomiting bug: 40 hospital trusts and 800 patients fall victim in just 1 week

the Mail online | Health — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:57:11 +0100

The total number of norovirus cases so far this season is up a fifth compared with the same time last year, figures from the Health Protection Agency show. But officials insist the weekly rates are no worse than usual. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Norovirus cases on the rise

Telegraph Health — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 07:30:23 +0100

Norovirus cases have risen by a fifth on the same time last year, with instances of the illness doubling in the past fortnight. (Source: Telegraph Health)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

NHS Choices assessment of press reports about spread of norovirus in hospitals

NeLM - News — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Source: NHS Choices Area: News The 'Behind the Headlines' service from NHS Choices has produced a quality assessment of press reports that "wards have been closed over fears of norovirus outbreak" (reported by the Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail; December 18/19th 2011). The articles were based on a warning from health officials about the serious threat posed by norovirus, after wards had to be closed at eight UK hospitals. Please see the link below for details. According to the Health Protection Agency overall laboratory reports suggest that the levels of norovirus are typical for this time of year. The Agency confirms that as part of infection control measures in hospitals, ward closures are implemented to prevent further transmission and reduce disr...

Levels of norovirus within seasonal norms

Health Protection Agency — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:08:18 +0100

Norovirus is highly contagious and can be transmitted by contact with an infected person; by consuming contaminated food or water or by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. The virus spreads rapidly in closed environments such as hospitals, schools, nursing and residential homes. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Norovirus outbreak at 35 hospitals closes dozens of wards

Telegraph Health — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:40:29 +0100

Health officials issue warning about serious threat posed by norovirus. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Norovirus: Wards close as cases of winter virus soar

the Mail online | Health — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:49:40 +0100

Cases of norovirus, which causes violent vomiting and diarrhoea, are on the rise and have been reported at more than a dozen hospitals in the past week. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Winter vomiting bug shuts hospital wards

NHS News Feed — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:08:00 +0100

"Dozens of hospital wards closed over fears of norovirus outbreak," The Daily Telegraph has reported today. The paper said that health officials have issued a warning about the serious threat posed by the winter diarrhoea and vomiting bug, norovirus, after wards had to be closed at eight UK hospitals. Reports of closed wards have also hit the headlines of many local newspapers. Norovirus is a highly contagious virus and the most common infectious cause of diarrhoea and vomiting in the UK. It is often called the ‘winter vomiting bug’ as its peak season is over the winter months. It is easily spread between people, usually by an infected person not washing their hands properly after using the toilet. The most effective prevention is thorough hand washing. Outbreaks occur every ...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Dozens of hospital wards closed over fears of norovirus outbreak

Telegraph Health — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 06:45:10 +0100

Health officials have issued a warning about the serious threat posed by norovirus after the winter diarrhoea and vomiting bug forced the closure of wards at eight hospitals. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Norovirus closes hospital wards

OnMedica Latest News — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Winter vomiting bug makes its mark as winter sets inRelated items from OnMedicaMRSA rates hit record lowExperts criticise emergency care of elderlyNorovirus found in three quarters of UK oystersNo charges over C.diff hospital deathsGovernment announces swine flu review (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Norovirus outbreaks closes hospital wards

Telegraph Health — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 15:37:20 +0100

An outbreak of the norovirus winter vomiting bug has closed beds and wards at two hospitals. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Adsorption characteristics of an enteric virus-binding protein to norovirus, rotavirus and poliovirus

BMC Biotechnology - Latest articles — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

A broad spectrum virus-binding protein derived from the bacterial chaperon protein GroEL and able to bind rotavirus, norovirus and poliovirus, could be used to detect diverse enteric viruses simultaneously in water and fecal samples. (Source: BMC Biotechnology - Latest articles)

Molecular characterization of a new intergenotype Norovirus GII recombinant

Virus Genes — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:48:14 +0100

Abstract Human noroviruses (NoVs) of the Caliciviridae family are a major cause of epidemic gastroenteritis. The NoV genus is genetically diverse and recombination of viral RNA is known to depend upon various immunological and intracellular constraints that may allow the emergence of viable recombinants. In the present study, we report the development of a broadly reactive RT-PCR assay, which allowed the characterization of strain A6 at molecular level, established its genetic relationship at the sub-genogroup level and classified A6 strain at the sub-genotype level. The detection was carried out initially by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the subsequent detection and molecular characterization of NoV strain was achieved by reverse transcription-PCR and seque...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Enteric viral pathogens in children with inflammatory bowel disease

Journal of Medical Virology — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:14:19 +0100

AbstractThe causes of exacerbations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are unknown. The presence of RNA of an enterovirus, norovirus GI, norovirus GII, rotavirus, astrovirus, and sapovirus was sought in stool samples of 50 children (median age 12.9 years) undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopies for IBD or its exclusion (Crohn's disease n = 18, ulcerative colitis n = 13, indeterminate colitis n = 2, non‐IBD n = 17). Viral RNA was found in three fecal samples (norovirus GII n = 2, sapovirus n = 1), all in children without IBD. Therefore, enteral viruses may play only a minor role in IBD. J. Med. Virol. 84:345–347, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Journal of Medical Virology)

A comparison of immunogenicity of norovirus GII-4 virus-like particles and P-particles

Immunology — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:52:54 +0100

(Source: Immunology)

Vital Signs: Experimental Vaccine for Norovirus Shows Promise

NYT Health — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:24:29 +0100

An experimental vaccine provided some protection against infection with norovirus, infamous for sickening hundreds on cruise ships, researchers said. (Source: NYT Health)

Gastroenteritis Outbreak Associated With Faecal Shedding of Canine Norovirus in a Portuguese Kennel Following Introduction of Imported Dogs From Russia

Transboundary and Emerging Diseases — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

We describe an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in dogs in March 2011 in a Portuguese kennel after the introduction of imported Russian dogs. Canine norovirus was detected in faecal samples of all dogs with AGE symptoms. Partial sequence analysis of the RT‐PCR products confirmed that all canine norovirus strains were identical. The canine norovirus infection disseminated rapidly in 2 days to all dogs in the kennel demonstrating the highly contagious nature of this virus. The incubation period was <48 h, the diarrhoeal disease was self‐limiting and the viral shedding lasted <7 days. Overall, the epidemiological features of this outbreak resembled those of human norovirus infections. (Source: Transboundary and Emerging Diseases)

Vaccine may prevent cruise ship virus

Health News - UPI.com — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 20:50:20 +0100

HOUSTON, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Researchers are working on a vaccine that might one day prevent norovirus, which has made many cruise ship passengers in the United States ill. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Norovirus VLP Vaccine Is First Ever To Demonstrate Significant Protection Against Acute Norovirus Gastroenteritis In Phase I/II Study

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 09:00:00 +0100

LigoCyte Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has announced that its experimental vaccine provided significant protection against norovirus infection and related gastrointestinal illness collectively known as acute gastroenteritis (AGE). Norovirus infection, sometimes referred to as "the stomach flu" is one of the most common causes of severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea afflicting 21 million Americans annually and is an important contributor to gastrointestinal disease worldwide. This was the first time a vaccine has demonstrated protection against norovirus... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Horizon scanning: RCT of norovirus vaccine against experimental human norwalk virus illness

NeLM - News — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Source: N Engl J Med Area: News Noroviruses are a leading cause of epidemic acute gastroenteritis and are also an important cause of sporadic cases of acute gastroenteritis. Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent human norovirus infection, and there is no specific therapy available to treat it. An investigational, intranasally delivered norovirus viruslike particle (VLP) vaccine (with chitosan and monophosphoryl lipid A as adjuvants) induced virus-specific serum antibodies in the majority of vaccine recipients. This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial study aimed to determine whether the vaccine provides protection against illness after a homologous norovirus challenge. It recruited 98 healthy adults aged 18 to 50 years, who received two doses of ...

Stop your bellyaching — a new vaccine may be on the way

Health Facts and Fears — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Norovirus, the cause of the so-called "stomach flu," or "cruise ship virus," is the second most common illness in the U.S. (the common cold is the first), and it’s also the leading cause of foodborne illness. (Source: Health Facts and Fears)

Norovirus Vaccine Provides Significant Protection

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0100

A study involving 84 volunteers showed that an experimental norovirus vaccine provided considerable protection against infection and symptoms of gastroenteritis, researchers from Baylor College of Medicine reported in NEJM (New England Journal of Medicine). The authors added that theirs is the first study to show protection from norovirus illness due to a vaccine. To date, the only treatment for norovirus illness is to take plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, and drugs to treat the symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting. First author, Dr... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

A nasal spray for norovirus: New drug reduces chance of catching bug by half

the Mail online | Health — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 07:28:17 +0100

Early trials by U.S. scientists on 77 adults found it reduced the risk of developing the infection by 47 per cent, said the New England Journal of Medicine. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Norovirus Infection: A Cause for Travelers' Concern?

MedicineNet Senior Health General — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Norovirus Infection: A Cause for Travelers' Concern?Category: Doctor's ViewsCreated: 3/7/2008Last Editorial Review: 12/8/2011 (Source: MedicineNet Senior Health General)

Vaccine Might One Day Prevent ‘Cruise Ship’ Stomach Bug

The Doctors Lounge - Gastroenterology — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Experimental vaccine reduced effects of norovirus in small study (Source: The Doctors Lounge - Gastroenterology)

Norovirus Vaccine Looks Promising in Preliminary StudyNorovirus Vaccine Looks Promising in Preliminary Study

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:02:52 +0100

A phase 1/phase 2 study provided proof of concept for a new norovirus vaccine, but it is still years from the market. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Norovirus Vaccine against Experimental Human Norwalk Virus Illness

New England Journal of Medicine — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:00:18 +0100

New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 365, Issue 23, Page 2178-2187, December 2011. (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Stomach Bug Vaccine in the Pipeline?

ScienceNOW — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:00:00 +0100

Clinical trial shows success against norovirus (Source: ScienceNOW)

Vaccine Might One Day Prevent 'Cruise Ship' Stomach Bug

MedlinePlus Health News — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:00:00 +0100

Experimental vaccine reduced effects of norovirus in small study Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Immunization, Stomach Disorders (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Norwalk Virus Vaccine Promises Smoother Sailing (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Geriatrics — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:00:00 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- Norovirus illness, that scourge of cruise ship passengers, may be preventable with a vaccine, a placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept study showed. (Source: MedPage Today Geriatrics)

Progress Made on Vaccine for So-Called ‘Cruise Ship’ Virus

WebMD Health — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

An experimental vaccine has passed an important test in preventing symptoms and infection from a type of norovirus, one of the most common causes of diarrhea and vomiting, researchers say. (Source: WebMD Health)

Vaccine study demonstrates protection against norovirus illness

Baylor College of Medicine News — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Baylor College of Medicine News)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Fat Duck criticised over illness

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:48:40 +0100

Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck had the largest norovirus outbreak ever recorded at a restaurant, according to a new academic report. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Detection of enterovirus 71 using reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP).

Journal of Virological Methods — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, RT-LAMP was established as a method for the detection of enterovirus 71 (EV71). The detection limit of the assay was approximately 10 copies, and no cross-reactivity was noted with Coxsackievirus A16, echovirus, human rotavirus (HRV) or norovirus. This assay, which offers greater sensitivity at a lower cost compared with the conventional reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), was validated using 252 clinical specimens that had been confirmed by laboratory diagnosis using RT-PCR. Both methods produced the same results with 52 positive samples. The RT-LAMP-based assay does not require specialised equipment, and therefore, it can be performed conveniently during an outbreak or under field conditions. In brief, the RT-LAMP-based assay provided a simple, rapid ...

Human GII.4 norovirus-like-particles (VLPs) bind to carbohydrates of Romaine lettuce leaf cell wall materials.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Esseili MA, Wang Q, Saif LJ Abstract Norovirus (NoV) genogroup II genotype 4 (GII.4) strains are the dominant cause of the majority of foodborne outbreaks, including those that involve leafy greens such as lettuce. Since human NoVs use carbohydrates of histo-blood group antigens as receptors/co-receptors, we examined the role of carbohydrates in the attachment of NoV to lettuce leaves by using virus-like-particles (VLPs) of a human NoV/GII.4 strain. Immunofluorescence showed that the VLPs attached to the leaf surface, especially to cut edges, stomata and along minor veins. Binding was quantified using ELISA performed on cell wall materials (CWM) from innermost younger and outermost lamina of older leaves. The binding to CWM of older leaves was significantly (P<0.05) hig...

Longitudinal study of infectious intestinal disease in the UK (IID2 study): incidence in the community and presenting to general practice

Gut — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions IID poses a substantial community and healthcare burden in the UK. Control efforts must focus particularly on reducing the burden due to Campylobacter and enteric viruses. (Source: Gut)

Genetic diversity of noroviruses in Brazil.

Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Fioretti JM, Ferreira MS, Victoria M, Vieira CB, Xavier Mda P, Leite JP, Miagostovich MP Abstract Norovirus (NoV) infections are a major cause of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks around the world. In Brazil, the surveillance system for acute diarrhoea does not include the diagnosis of NoV, precluding the ability to assess its impact on public health. The present study assessed the circulation of NoV genotypes in different Brazilian states by partial nucleotide sequencing analysis of the genomic region coding for the major capsid viral protein. NoV genogroup II genotype 4 (GII.4) was the prevalent (78%) followed by GII.6, GII.7, GII.12, GII.16 and GII.17, demonstrating the great diversity of NoV genotypes circulating in Brazil. Thus, this paper highlights the importance of a...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Norovirus found in oysters

The Independent - Science — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:01 +0100

More than three-quarters of British-grown oysters contain norovirus, research has found. (Source: The Independent - Science)

Winter vomiting virus 'found in most oysters'

NHS News Feed — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 17:35:00 +0100

Tests have found that three-quarters of British-grown oysters contain norovirus, BBC News has reported. Norovirus, also known as “winter vomiting bug”, is thought to affect up to 1 million people each year in the UK. The news is based on a two-year examination of UK oyster production sites by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), including the first large-scale analysis of the levels of norovirus they contain. However, although testing showed that most samples contained norovirus, the results have not revealed any new risk from eating oysters, and the FSA’s advice remains unchanged: people should be aware that eating raw oysters carries a risk of food poisoning. The agency also continues to advise that certain groups – such as older people, pregnant women, very young children and people...

Norovirus: Oyster health alert as three-quarters of the shellfish are found to contain 'winter vomiting bug'

the Mail online | Health — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:55:22 +0100

The Food Standards Agency study discovered that 76 per cent of oysters tested from UK oyster growing beds had traces of the infectious bug norovirus. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Winter vomit virus 'in oysters'

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 07:50:00 +0100

The Food Standards Agency finds that most British-grown oysters it tested contains the winter vomiting bug, norovirus. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

New guidelines for managing norovirus outbreaks in acute, community health and social care settings

NHS Networks — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

The guidelines were drafted in consultation with the councils and wider membership of the each of the participating organisations. A second stage of consultation was also extended to external stakeholder organisations. Representatives from the community care sector were also involved in the guidelines development to advise on community aspects. (Source: NHS Networks)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

New guidelines for the management of norovirus

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 13:18:56 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA), together with other professional bodies from the norovirus working group have today launched the new ‘Guidelines for the management of Norovirus outbreaks in acute and community health and social care settings’ As well as researching the average level of mercury found in people’s hair, experts at the HPA will be investigating the average level of cadmium, phthalates and tobacco smoke chemicals found in people’s urine in the UK. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Gastrointestinal Infections in the Setting of Natural Disasters

Current Infectious Disease Reports — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 06:44:40 +0100

Abstract Gastrointestinal illness following natural disasters is a common occurrence and often results from the disruption of potable water supplies. The risk for outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness is higher in developing countries because of fewer available resources and poorer infrastructure. But industrialized countries are not immune from this problem, as demonstrated by an outbreak of gastroenteritis from norovirus that followed in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Rates of gastrointestinal illness following natural disasters are influenced by the endemicity of specific pathogens in the affected region before the disaster, the type of disaster itself, the availability of health care resources, and the response by public health personnel after the disaster. Ens...

Usefulness of the rapid determination system of viral genome sequences in human stool specimens.

Journal of Virological Methods — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Miyoshi M, Yoshizumi S, Ishida S, Komagome R, Nagano H, Kudo S, Okano M Abstract The rapid determination system of viral genome sequences (the RDV method) consists of detecting and determining the nucleotide sequences of viral genomes without using specific primers. To evaluate the usefulness of the RDV method, the detection of human norovirus (NV) genomes in stool specimens was investigated. In addition, the effect of nuclease treatment of the process was examined. A total of 23 human stool specimens were used, all of which were collected from patients with acute viral gastroenteritis, and were shown to contain NV genomes and also determined the cDNA copy numbers by the real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. NV genomes were detected by the RDV method w...

Application of a receptor-binding-capture qRTPCR assay to concentrate human norovirus from sewage and to study the distribution and stability of the virus.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Tian P, Yang D, Pan L, Mandrell R Abstract Water is an important route for human norovirus (HuNoV) transmission. Using magnetic beads conjugated with blood group-like antigens (HuNoV receptors), we developed a simple and rapid receptor-binding capture and magnetic sequestration (RBCMS) method, and compared it to the existing negatively-charged membrane absorption/elution (NCMAE) method for concentrating HuNoV from sewage effluent. RBCMS required 6-fold less sample volume than the NCMAE method and also resulted in a significantly higher yield of HuNoV. The NCMAE and RBCMS concentration of genogroup I (GI) HuNoV measured by qRTPCR resulted in average Ct values of 34.68 (8.68 copies, 252-fold concentration) versus 34.07 (13.05 copies, 477-fold concentration), respectively; NC...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Norovirus May Be Linked To Food Allergies

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:00:00 +0100

Researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin have found a possible link between norovirus, a virus that causes "stomach flu" in humans, and food allergies. The findings are published in The Open Immunology Journal, Volume 4, 2011. Mitchell H. Grayson, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics, medicine, microbiology and molecular genetics at the Medical College, and a pediatric allergist practicing at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, is the corresponding author of the paper. The researchers took mice infected with norovirus and fed them egg protein... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

The development of LENTICULES™ as reference materials for noroviruses

Journal of Applied Microbiology — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Lenticulation was shown to be an effective means of preservation of detectable noroviruses. LENTICULES™ were sufficiency homogeneous and stable throughout medium term frozen and short term storage at room temperature to serve as RMs. Virus LENTICULES™ have the advantages of being easy to manipulate, provide assigned values and do not require the manipulation of high titre clinical material.Significance and impact of the study: The results of this study show that norovirus LENTICULES™ can be used as stable RMs for quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR assays. They can be utilised as in‐run positive extraction controls and potentially for method calibration, and to enable more easy comparison of data generated by the variety of differing norovirus determination methods...

Inhibition of noroviruses by piperazine derivatives.

Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Dou D, He G, Mandadapu SR, Aravapalli S, Kim Y, Chang KO, Groutas WC Abstract There is currently an unmet need for the development of small-molecule therapeutics for norovirus infection. The piperazine scaffold, a privileged structure embodied in many pharmacological agents, was used to synthesize an array of structurally-diverse derivatives which were screened for anti-norovius activity in a cell-based replicon system. The studies described herein demonstrate for the first time that functionalized piperazine derivatives possess anti-norovirus activity. Furthermore, these studies have led to the identification of two promising compounds (6a and 9l) that can be used as a launching pad for the optimization of potency, cytotoxicity, and drug-like characteristics. PMID: 22...

'Stomach flu' may be linked to food allergies

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(Medical College of Wisconsin) Researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin have found a possible link between norovirus, a virus that causes "stomach flu" in humans, and food allergies. The findings are published in the Open Immunology Journal, Volume 4, 2011. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Norovirus prevalence in ‘pathogen negative’ gastroenteritis in children from periurban areas in Lima, Peru

Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 22:43:21 +0100

Summary: Norovirus was detected in 17.4% of 224 diarrhoeal samples from children younger than 24 months of age in Lima, in whom all common pathogens had been excluded (pathogen negative). Norovirus was identified more frequently in children older than 12 months of age than in younger children (34% vs 8%, P (Source: Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

FDA Warns Consumers Not to Eat Certain ASSI Brand Frozen Oysters

Food and Drug Administration — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 23:42:00 +0100

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to eat certain ASSI Brand frozen oysters from Korea following an outbreak of illness in Washington state caused by norovirus. The frozen oyster meat (shucked; not in shell), is packed in 3-lb bags . (Source: Food and Drug Administration)

FDA warns consumers not to eat certain ASSI Brand frozen oysters

Food and Drug Administration — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 20:58:00 +0100

Recombinant norovirus GII.g/GII.12 gastroenteritis in children

Journal of Dentistry — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:46:58 +0100

Publication year: 2011Source: Infection, Genetics and Evolution, Available online 3 November 2011Giovanni M. Giammanco, Valentina Rotolo, Maria C. Medici, Fabio Tummolo, Floriana Bonura, ...Recombinant GII.g/GII.12 norovirus (NoV) strains emerged in 2008 in Australia and subsequently have been associated with gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. In the winter season 2009-2010 GII.12 strains caused 16% of the NoV outbreaks in the United States. During 2009-2010 we also identified GII.g/GII.12 strains during surveillance of sporadic cases of gastroenteritis in Italian children. Severity scores were calculated for the GII.g/GII.12 NoV infections using the Vesikari scale and in two out of three paediatric cases they exceeded the median value calculated for concomitant GII.4 infections. Up...

Recombinant norovirus GII.g/GII.12 gastroenteritis in children.

Infection, Genetics and Evolution — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Giammanco GM, Rotolo V, Medici MC, Tummolo F, Bonura F, Chezzi C, Martella V, De Grazia S Abstract Recombinant GII.g/GII.12 norovirus (NoV) strains emerged in 2008 in Australia and subsequently have been associated with gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. In the winter season 2009-2010 GII.12 strains caused 16% of the NoV outbreaks in the United States. During 2009-2010 we also identified GII.g/GII.12 strains during surveillance of sporadic cases of gastroenteritis in Italian children. Severity scores were calculated for the GII.g/GII.12 NoV infections using the Vesikari scale and in two out of three paediatric cases they exceeded the median value calculated for concomitant GII.4 infections. Upon sequence analysis, the Italian strains were found to be recombinant viruses ...

Serious Norovirus Illness Hits NBA Players Too

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:00:00 +0100

A new investigation published in Clinical infectious Diseases reports on the 2010 outbreak of norovirus in several NBA teams. The study underlines the unique circumstances that spread the extremely contagious virus among NBA players and staff on and off the court. The 2010 outbreak is the first known report of a norovirus outbreak in a professional sports association. In the U.S., norovirus (formerly Norwalk agent) is the most prevalent cause of gastroenteritis outbreaks. The virus is responsible for approximately 21 million cases of illness each year in the country... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Study Reports Norovirus Outbreak Affecting 13 NBA Teams In 2010, Suggests Prevention Steps

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:00:00 +0100

A new study describes a 2010 outbreak involving several NBA teams, the first known report of a norovirus outbreak in a professional sports association. Published in Clinical Infectious Diseases and available online, the study highlights unique circumstances for spreading this highly contagious virus among players and staff on and off the court. Norovirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis outbreaks in the United States; it is responsible for about 21 million cases of illness in the country each year... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Tracing an Infectious Virus Through the NBA

RWJF News Digest - Public Health — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

According to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Division of Viral Diseases, an outbreak of norovirus, a highly contagious bug that causes gastroenteritis, left at least 24 players and staff members from 13 NBA teams with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea in 2010. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Public Health)

FUT2 Nonsecretor Status Links Type 1 Diabetes Susceptibility and Resistance to Infection.

Diabetes — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS Our findings linking FUT2 and type 1 diabetes highlight the intriguing relationship between host resistance to infections and susceptibility to autoimmune disease. PMID: 22025780 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Diabetes)

Response to Letter by: Al-Mendalawi et al., doi:10.1016/j.jiph.2011.08.002

Journal of Infection and Public Health — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In response to the question raised by Prof. Al-Mendalawi about rotavirus immunization coverage in Lebanon, we would like to emphasize that the rotavirus vaccine is not incorporated in the routine immunization schedule; the vaccine is however available in the private clinics. Unfortunately, the anti-rotavirus immunity of patients included in our study has not been investigated. Our results are not different from those obtained in Europe. In France where rotavirus vaccination is not included in the routine immunization program, a recent study has reported that rotavirus was the cause of more than 50% of the total hospitalizations for gastroenteritis per year in a pediatric unit in Paris, followed by norovirus causing 8% of the total hospitalizations . (Source: Journal of Infection and Public...

Stomach Bug Easily Passed Among Pro Sports Teams: Report

The Doctors Lounge - Gastroenterology — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:00:00 +0100

CDC researchers urge athletes, staff to take steps to prevent spread of norovirus (Source: The Doctors Lounge - Gastroenterology)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Stomach Bug Easily Passed Among Pro Sports Teams

MedlinePlus Health News — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0100

CDC researchers urge athletes, staff to take steps to prevent spread of norovirus Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Gastroenteritis, Sports Fitness (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Norovirus Outbreak Affected 13 NBA Teams in 2010Norovirus Outbreak Affected 13 NBA Teams in 2010

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:45:04 +0100

Although norovirus is common and notoriously difficult to eradicate once in the environment, this is the first reported outbreak in a professional sports association. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

NBA players not immune to serious illness from norovirus

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(Infectious Diseases Society of America) A new study describes a 2010 outbreak involving several NBA teams, the first known report of a norovirus outbreak in a professional sports association. Published in Clinical Infectious Diseases and available online, the study highlights unique circumstances for spreading this highly contagious virus among players and staff on and off the court. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Clinical and molecular epidemiology of norovirus infection in childhood diarrhea in China

Journal of Medical Virology — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:25:48 +0100

AbstractA prospective investigation was carried out among pediatric outpatients and inpatients with acute non‐dysenteric diarrhea between August, 2008 and July, 2009 in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Chongqing, and Tianjin, China. One step real‐time RT‐PCR was used for detection of norovirus (NoV) genogroups I and II (GI, GII). The NoV genotypes were classified based on partial capsid sequences. Rotavirus (RV) was detected in parallel. Among 4,123 fecal samples from outpatients, 1,067 (25.9%) were NoV‐positive, of which 1,051 (98.5%) belonged to GII and 1,309 (31.7%) were RV‐positive. In the inpatient group (n = 317), 25.6% were NoV‐positive and 41.6% were RV‐positive. Four hundred and fifty‐one out of 1,067 NoV‐positive strains were sequenced and genotyped and 6 typed strains w...

Notes from the field: outbreaks of rotavirus gastroenteritis among elderly adults in two retirement communities --- illinois, 2011.

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl... — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Abstract In February 2011, three residents of a retirement community in Illinois were hospitalized for acute gastroenteritis. The admitting physicians ordered testing of stool specimens for several pathogens, including rotavirus. The hospital laboratory detected rotavirus antigen in specimens from each patient, and the hospital infection control practitioner reported that information to the Cook County Department of Public Health. Two additional residents were hospitalized for rotavirus gastroenteritis shortly thereafter. The health department sent stool specimens from the five patients to CDC for testing for rotavirus and norovirus. Rotavirus was detected in each specimen; norovirus was not detected. During a subsequent investigation, all available residents were querie...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

News From The Journals Of The American Society For Microbiology

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +0100

Human Norovirus In Groundwater Remains Infective After Two Months Researchers from Emory University have discovered that norovirus in groundwater can remain infectious for at least 61 days. The research is published in the October Applied and Environmental Microbiology. Human norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis. The disease it causes tends to be one of the more unpleasant of those that leave healthy people unscathed in the long run, with diarrhea and vomiting that typically last for 48 hours... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Human Norovirus In Groundwater Remains Infective After Two Months

American Society for Microbiology — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:53:00 +0100

Researchers from Emory University have discovered that norovirus in groundwater can remain infectious for at least 61 days. The research is published in the October Applied and Environmental Microbiology. (Source: American Society for Microbiology)

Sapovirus as a gastrointestinal pathogen in febrile pediatric patients with cancer

Journal of Medical Virology — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:33:38 +0100

AbstractHuman caliciviruses are the second most common cause of viral gastroenteritis after rotavirus in children. Unlike norovirus, sapovirus infection is less well characterized and defined in the clinical setting of gastrointestinal disease, and there are no reports of sapovirus infections in pediatric oncology patients receiving chemotherapy treatment. Stool samples from all pediatric oncology patients presenting with fever and diarrhea at one pediatric oncology unit were tested prospectively for sapovirus by real‐time reverse transcription‐PCR sapovirus genogrouping was performed by nested PCR. Sapovirus was detected in 2 of 100 stool specimens prospectively sampled from 58 symptomatic pediatric oncology inpatients between December 2008 and September 2009. Both patients received l...

Characterization of norovirus strains in Australian children from 2006 to 2008: Prevalence of recombinant strains

Journal of Medical Virology — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:33:32 +0100

This study aimed to detect and genotype norovirus strains infecting children hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis in Melbourne, Australia from 2006 to 2008. Stool samples were collected from 272 children admitted to the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, with non‐rotavirus acute gastroenteritis between April 2006 and December 2008. Using RT‐PCR, norovirus was detected in 36% of samples. Strains were genetically characterized via analysis of regions from both the capsid gene and the RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene, to investigate genotype distribution and incidence of recombination. Typing based on the capsid gene (n = 70) detected GII.4 (49%) and GII.3 (46%) as the most predominant genotypes. Strains with a GII.4 capsid were usually assigned a GII.4 RdRp, ...

Enteric viruses in healthy children in cameroon: Viral load and genotyping of norovirus strains

Journal of Medical Virology — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:33:12 +0100

AbstractData regarding prevalence of noroviruses (NoVs) among asymptomatic persons are scarce. The current study carried out on samples from Cameroon describes the asymptomatic shedding of NoVs and other enteric viruses in healthy children and in adults infected with HIV but lacking symptoms of gastroenteritis. Enteric viruses were common with a prevalence of 53.7% in the children, and 35.5% in the adult participants. Multiple enteric viruses (2–5 agents) were detected in fecal samples from 65% of the children, and co‐infection with NoV was demonstrated in almost all cases of multiple infections. NoV viral loads in the healthy children were within disease causing range and significantly higher than those observed in the adults (P < 0.01). Sequencing and genotyping of NoV strains...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Comparative evaluation of the QIAGEN QIAsymphony® SP system and bioMérieux NucliSens easyMAG automated extraction platforms in a clinical virology laboratory

Journal of Clinical Virology — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our evaluation found the performance of the QIAsymphony® SP comparable to the NucliSens easyMAG for a range of sample types commonly extracted in a clinical virology laboratory. In total, 331/343 (96.5%) PCR results were concordant on samples extracted by both platforms. (Source: Journal of Clinical Virology)

Evaluation of third-generation RIDASCREEN enzyme immunoassay for the detection of norovirus antigens in stool samples of hospitalized children in Belém, Pará, Brazil

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This study evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of the commercially available third-generation RIDASCREEN® Norovirus Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) kit in comparison to the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect NoVs in hospitalized children with gastroenteritis. An agreement of 88% (81/92) was observed when comparing EIA with RT-PCR. A sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 83.3% were demonstrated. Eleven samples were positive by 1 method only (4 RT-PCR/7 EIA). Fourteen samples were sequenced and all classified as NoV genogroup GII-4. The 7 positive only by EIA were also evaluated by electron microscopy, and in 3 (42.9%) samples viral particles with a suggestive morphology of NoVs were visualized. These same samples were tested by seminested-RT-PCR with a posi...

Comparison of chlorine and peroxyacetic-based disinfectant to inactivate Feline calicivirus, Murine norovirus and Hepatitis A virus on lettuce.

International Journal of Food Microbiology — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 03:05:56 +0100

This study illustrates the necessity of determining the effectiveness of technological processes against enteric viruses, using a relevant reference such as HAV, in order to reduce the risk of hepatitis and gastroenteritis by exposure to vegetables. PMID: 21924791 [PubMed - in process] (Source: International Journal of Food Microbiology)

Usefulness of fecal lactoferrin in predicting and monitoring the clinical severity of infectious diarrhea.

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Fecal lactoferrin increased during bacterial infection and with greater disease severity and may be a good marker for predicting and monitoring intestinal inflammation in children with infectious diarrhea. PMID: 22072854 [PubMed - in process] (Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG)

Characterization of rotavirus and norovirus strains: a 6-year study (2004-2009).

Jornal de Pediatria — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Genotype distribution varied according to collection year, accompanied by a reduction in detection rate. Use of RV vaccine requires implementation of post-marketing surveillance to monitor RV strain diversity and its efficacy against possible new emerging genotypes. NoVs have been increasingly identified as relevant etiological agents among hospitalized children and play an important role in the viral etiology of pediatric acute gastroenteritis in the state of São Paulo. PMID: 21979837 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Jornal de Pediatria)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

The Emergence of Rotavirus G12 and the Prevalence of Enteric Viruses in Hospitalized Pediatric Diarrheal Patients in Southern Vietnam.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Tra My PV, Rabaa MA, Vinh H, Holmes EC, Hoang NV, Vinh NT, Phuong LT, Tham NT, Bay PV, Campbell JI, Farrar J, Baker S Abstract Abstract. Diarrhea is a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in developing countries, and the majority of infections are of viral etiology. We aimed to compare the etiological prevalence of the major enteric viruses in an urban and a rural setting in southern Vietnam. We simultaneously screened fecal specimens from 362 children in Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Thap province that were hospitalized with acute diarrhea over a 1-month-long period for four viral gastrointestinal pathogens. Rotavirus was the most common pathogen identified, but there was a differential prevalence of rotavirus and norovirus between the urban and rural locations. F...

Selection of a phylogenetically informative region of the norovirus genome for outbreak linkage

Virus Genes — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 05:54:09 +0100

Abstract The recognition of a common source norovirus outbreak is supported by finding identical norovirus sequences in patients. Norovirus sequencing has been established in many (national) public health laboratories and academic centers, but often partial and different genome sequences are used. Therefore, agreement on a target sequence of sufficient diversity to resolve links between outbreaks is crucial. Although harmonization of laboratory methods is one of the keystone activities of networks that have the aim to identify common source norovirus outbreaks, this has proven difficult to accomplish, particularly in the international context. Here, we aimed at providing a method enabling identification of the genomic region informative of a common source norovirus outbrea...

Vomiting bug found at hotel

Scotsman.com News - Health — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0100

GUESTS at a city hotel were asked to stay in their rooms following a suspected outbreak of vomiting bug norovirus. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

Hemocytes are Sites of Enteric Virus Persistence within Oysters.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Provost K, Dancho BA, Ozbay G, Anderson RS, Richards GP, Kingsley DH Abstract The study goal was to understand how enteric viruses persist within shellfish tissues. Several lines of novel evidence show that phagocytic blood cells (hemocytes) of Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica), play an important role for the retention of virus particles. Our results demonstrated the association of virus contamination with hemocytes but not with hemolymph. Live oysters contaminated overnight with hepatitis A virus (HAV) and murine norovirus (MNV) had 56% and 80% of extractable virus associated with hemocytes, respectively. Transfer of HAV-contaminated hemocytes to naïve (virus-free) oysters resulted in naïve oyster meat testing HAV-positive for up to 3 weeks. Acid tolerance of HAV,...

Human enterovirus infections in children at increased risk for type 1 diabetes: the Babydiet study

Diabetologia — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 05:47:19 +0100

Conclusions/interpretation No correlation was found between the presence of HEV in the first year of life and the development of islet autoantibodies. There was no association between HEV infections and dietary intervention, maternal diabetes or clinical symptoms. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory ARTICLEPages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00125-011-2305-3Authors M.-L. Simonen-Tikka, Intestinal Viruses Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30, FI-00271 Helsinki, FinlandM. Pflueger, Institute of Diabetes Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstaedter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, GermanyP. Klemola, Intestinal Viruses Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30, FI-00271 Helsinki, FinlandC. Sa...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Guideline for the Prevention and Control of Norovirus Gastroenteritis Outbreaks in Healthcare Settings •

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol Latest Issue — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 20:11:16 +0100

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, Volume 32, Issue 10, Page 939-969, October 2011. (Source: Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol Latest Issue)

Investigation and Control of a Nosocomial Norovirus Outbreak in a Long-Term Care Facility •

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol Latest Issue — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 20:11:00 +0100

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, Volume 32, Issue 10, Page 1052-1055, October 2011. (Source: Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol Latest Issue)

Norovirus Gastroenteritis and Seizures: An Atypical Case with Neuroradiological Abnormalities

Neuropediatrics — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We report a new case of benign infantile convulsions due to norovirus gastroenteritis with neuroradiological abnormalities to the pertinent literature in order to improve knowledge about this disorder and increase the possibility of clarifying its pathogenesis.[...]Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New YorkArticle in Thieme eJournals:Table of contents | Abstract | Full text (Source: Neuropediatrics)

Influence of wastewater treatment process and the population size on human virus profiles in wastewater.

Adv Data — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hewitt J, Leonard M, Greening GE, Lewis GD Abstract Human adenovirus (AdV and AdV species F), enterovirus (EV) and norovirus (NoV) concentrations entering wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) serving different-sized communities, and effectiveness of different treatment processes in reducing concentrations were established. Data was combined to create a characteristic and unique descriptor of the individual viral composition and termed as the sample virus profile. Virus profiles were generally independent of population size and treatment process (moving bed biofilm reactors, activated sludge, waste stabilisation ponds). AdV and EV concentrations in wastewater were more variable in small (<4000) and medium-sized (10,000-64,000) WWTP than in large-sized (>130,000 inhabita...

Virus hazards from food, water and other contaminated environments

FEMS Microbiology Reviews — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

AbstractNumerous viruses of human or animal origin can spread in the environment and infect people via water and food, mostly through ingestion and occasionally through skin contact. These viruses are released into the environment by various routes including water run‐offs and aerosols. Furthermore, zoonotic viruses may infect humans exposed to contaminated surface waters. Foodstuffs of animal origin can be contaminated and their consumption may cause human infection if the viruses are not inactivated during food processing. Molecular epidemiology and surveillance of environmental samples are necessary to elucidate the public health hazards associated with exposure to environmental viruses. Whereas monitoring of viral nucleic acids by PCR methods is relatively straightforward and well‐...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Norovirus, gastroenteritis, and indoor environmental quality

Indoor Air — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 01:03:15 +0100

(Source: Indoor Air)

Micro-total analysis system for virus detection: microfluidic pre-concentration coupled to liposome-based detection.

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Connelly JT, Kondapalli S, Skoupi M, Parker JS, Kirby BJ, Baeumner AJ Abstract An integrated microfluidic biosensor is presented that combines sample pre-concentration and liposome-based signal amplification for the detection of enteric viruses present in environmental water samples. This microfluidic approach overcomes the challenges of long assay times of cell culture-based methods and the need to extensively process water samples to eliminate inhibitors for PCR-based methods. Here, viruses are detected using an immunoassay sandwich approach with the reporting antibodies tagged to liposomes. Described is the development of the integrated device for the detection of environmentally relevant viruses using feline calicivirus (FCV) as a model organism for human norovirus. In...

Surveillance for foodborne disease outbreaks --- United States, 2008.

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl... — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Abstract Foodborne agents cause an estimated 48 million illnesses annually in the United States, including 9.4 million illnesses from known pathogens. CDC collects data on foodborne disease outbreaks submitted from all states and territories through the Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System. During 2008, the most recent year for which data are finalized, 1,034 foodborne disease outbreaks were reported, which resulted in 23,152 cases of illness, 1,276 hospitalizations, and 22 deaths. Among the 479 outbreaks with a laboratory-confirmed single etiologic agent reported, norovirus was the most common, accounting for 49% of outbreaks and 46% of illnesses. Salmonella was the second most common, accounting for 23% of outbreaks and 31% of illnesses. Among the 218 outbrea...

'Reopen wards and reuse beds sooner after norovirus outbreaks'.

Nursing Standard — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Dean E PMID: 22013824 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Nursing Standard)

Prevalence and genetic diversity of norovirus in outpatient children with acute diarrhea in shanghai, china.

Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of norovirus (NoV) associated-diarrhea among pediatric outpatients in Shanghai, and characterize the genotypes of circulating NoV strain. Stool samples were collected from 910 children with non-dysenteric diarrhea between August 2008 and July 2009. One-step real-time RT-PCR was used to screen for NoV genogroup I (GI) and genogroup II (GII). Genotypes were classified by sequence analysis of partial capsid and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) fragments. NoV was detected year round with high activity in July, August, September, and October. Of 910 specimens, 165 (18.13%) were positive for NoV; 4 (2.42%) were GI, and 161 (97.58%) were GII. Based on capsid sequences, 8 different genotypes were identified for 114 NoV strains, including GII.4 20...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Elimination of norovirus in a chronic carrier under immunosuppression after heart transplantation – effect of everolimus

Transplant International — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Transplant International)

Potent inhibition of Norwalk virus by cyclic sulfamide derivatives.

Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Dou D, Tiew KC, He G, Mandadapu SR, Aravapalli S, Alliston KR, Kim Y, Chang KO, Groutas WC Abstract A new class of compounds that exhibit anti-norovirus activity in a cell-based system and embody in their structure a cyclosulfamide scaffold has been identified. The structure of the initial hit (compound 2a, ED(50) 4μM, TD(50) 50μM) has been prospected by exploiting multiple points of diversity and generating appropriate structure-activity relationships. PMID: 21925886 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry)

Susceptibility to winter vomiting disease: a sweet matter

Reviews in Medical Virology — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:41:47 +0100

SUMMARYNorovirus, the cause of winter vomiting disease, has emerged in recent years to be a major cause of sporadic and epidemic gastroenteritis worldwide. The virus has been estimated to cause >200 000 deaths each year in developing countries. Although the virus is highly contagious, volunteer and field studies have shown that a subset of individuals appears resistant to infections. A single nucleotide mutation (G428A) in the fucosyltransferase gene (FUT2) on chromosome 19 provides strong protection from infection in 20% of the white population. Histo‐blood group ABO(H) antigens with terminal fucose are believed to function as receptors for human norovirus in the gastrointestinal tract, but also negatively charged potential receptors have been identified. Norovirus infection is a u...

Molecular epidemiology of enteric viruses in children with sporadic gastroenteritis in Valencia, Venezuela

Journal of Medical Virology — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:41:28 +0100

AbstractThe epidemiology and clinical symptoms in infants and young children with acute sporadic viral gastroenteritis due to viral etiologies other than rotaviruses have not been studied thoroughly in developing countries. Fecal specimens from 480 children <5 years of age who were admitted to a large children's hospital in the city of Valencia, Venezuela, with acute diarrhea during January to December 2003 were collected and screened by ELISA and RT‐PCR for rotavirus, adenovirus, norovirus, sapovirus, and astrovirus. Viral isolates were partially characterized by phylogenetic analysis. Norovirus viral load was determined by qRT‐PCR. Viruses were identified in 205 (43%) of the 480 stool samples collected. Rotavirus was the virus detected most frequently (21%), followed by norovirus ...

Guideline for the Prevention and Control of Norovirus Gastroenteritis Outbreaks in Healthcare Settings

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol Latest Issue — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 19:36:38 +0100

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Ahead of Print. (Source: Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol Latest Issue)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Is there a role for oral human immunoglobulin in the treatment for norovirus enteritis in immunocompromised patients?

Pediatric Transplantation — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Florescu DF, Hermsen ED, Kwon JY, Gumeel D, Grant WJ, Mercer DF, Kalil AC. Is there a role for oral human immunoglobulin in the treatment for norovirus enteritis in immunocompromised patients? Pediatr Transplantation 2011. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract: No treatment for NVE is available. Immunocompromised patients with NVE treated with OHIG (12 cases) were retrospectively identified and matched 1:1 by age and gender with immunocompromised patients with NVE not treated with OHIG (12 controls). Chi–squared test, t‐test, bivariate conditional linear regression analyses, and Kaplan–Meier curve were performed. A total of 58.3% patients were small bowel transplant (SBT) recipients. Although not statistically significant, cases compared with controls were more likely to have...

Design and synthesis of inhibitors of noroviruses by scaffold hopping.

Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Dou D, Mandadapu SR, Alliston KR, Kim Y, Chang KO, Groutas WC Abstract A scaffold hopping strategy was employed to identify new chemotypes that inhibit noroviruses. The replacement of the cyclosulfamide scaffold by an array of heterocyclic scaffolds lead to the identification of additional series of compounds that possessed anti-norovirus activity in a cell-based replicon system. PMID: 21893416 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry)

Lack of effect of murine norovirus infection on a mouse model of bacteria-induced colon cancer.

Comparative Medicine — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:48:03 +0100

Authors: Lencioni KC, Drivdahl R, Seamons A, Treuting PM, Brabb T, Maggio-Price L Abstract Murine norovirus (MNV) is endemic in mouse research facilities in the United States and Europe, with a prevalence as high as 58% to 64%. Because of MNV's orofecal route of infection, clinically silent persistent infections in some mouse strains, and proclivity for macrophage and dendritic cells, its presence in mouse colonies has potential to alter phenotypes in experimental mouse models, particularly those involving inflammation and immunologic responses. Although MNV is subclinical, not causing overt disease in immunocompetent mice, we found that MNV infection can accelerate bacteria-induced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) progression in Mdr1a(-/-) mice. The studies presented here examined...

Norovirus human infectivity and persistence in water.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

This study demonstrates that Norwalk virus in groundwater can remain detectable for over 3 years and can remain infectious for at least 61 days. PMID: 21856841 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology)

Hand sanitizers may increase norovirus risk.

cmaj — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Vogel L PMID: 21844107 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: cmaj)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Hand Sanitizers May Actually Cause Outbreaks Of Norovirus

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0100

New research has found that hand sanitizers are not as effective as soap and water in health care settings at preventing viral outbreaks. In fact, they may even be responsible for outbreaks of seriously contagious viruses. As a common alternative to using soap and water, hand sanitizers are often regarded as being the most efficient way to cleanse hands. More detailed investigations will be necessary though, say public health experts, to change the belief that hand sanitizers are as equally good as hand soap... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Food-borne outbreak of norovirus infection in a French military parachuting unit, April 2011.

Euro Surveill — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 22:30:22 +0100

Authors: Mayet A, Andreo V, Bedubourg G, Victorion S, Plantec J, Soullie B, Meynard J, Dedieu J, Polveche P, Migliani R PMID: 21813082 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill)

Outbreak of norovirus infection in a hotel in Oslo, Norway, January 2011.

Euro Surveill — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 22:30:22 +0100

Authors: Guzman-Herrador B, Heier B, Osborg E, Nguyen V, Vold L PMID: 21813081 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill)

Potential role of asymptomatic kitchen food handlers during a food-borne outbreak of norovirus infection, Dublin, Ireland, March 2009.

Euro Surveill — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 22:30:22 +0100

Authors: Nicolay N, McDermott R, Kelly M, Gorby M, Prendergast T, Tuite G, Coughlan S, McKeown P, Sayers G PMID: 21813080 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill)

Effective control of an acute gastroenteritis outbreak due to norovirus infection in a hospital ward in Athens, Greece, April 2011.

Euro Surveill — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 22:30:22 +0100

Authors: Georgiadou S, Loukeris D, Smilakou S, Daikos G, Sipsas N PMID: 21794223 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Clinical features and molecular epidemiology of rotavirus and norovirus infections in Libyan children

Journal of Medical Virology — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 18:52:14 +0100

AbstractRotaviruses and noroviruses are leading viral causes of diarrhoea in children. A cross‐sectional study was undertaken among children aged <5 years with acute gastroenteritis at Al‐Jala Children's Hospital, Tripoli, Libya, from October 2007 to September 2008. Of 1,090 fecal samples collected, 260 from inpatients and 830 from outpatients, all inpatients and approximately a third of outpatients, selected systematically, were investigated for rotavirus and norovirus infection by ELISA and real‐time RT‐PCR, respectively. Of 520 fecal samples examined (inpatients = 260, outpatients = 260), 164 (31.5%) had rotavirus and 91 (17.5%) had norovirus detected. Rotavirus was identified more often among inpatients than outpatients (35.8% vs. 27.3% respectively, P = 0.038). ...

Norovirus gastroenteritis successfully treated with nitazoxanide

Journal of Infection — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We present a 43-year-old individual with large-volume stool output Norovirus acute gastroenteritis in the setting of relapsed refractory acute myelogenous leukemia, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and biopsy-proven cutaneous and pulmonary graft-versus-host disease. Therapeutic options such as intravenous immunoglobulin or reduction of immunosuppressants were not a feasible choice. A prompt clinical cure was achieved with nitazoxanide, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent. Nitazoxanide may be a safe therapeutic alternative, in which a reduction in immunosuppression may not be a viable option. (Source: Journal of Infection)

A candidate dual vaccine against influenza and noroviruses.

Vaccine — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

In this study, we demonstrated an enhanced immune response and protection of a chimeric M2e vaccine against influenza A viruses using our newly developed vaccine platform, the norovirus P particle, to present the M2e peptide. The 23-amino acid peptide was inserted into one of the surface loops of the P protein, resulting in 24 copies of M2e presented on each P particle. Significantly (P<0.001) increased antibody responses to M2e were observed in mice immunized with the P particle-M2e chimera compared with those immunized with the free M2e peptides. Mice immunized with the P particle-M2e vaccine were fully protected (100% survived) against lethal challenge of a mouse adapted human influenza virus PR8 (H1N1), while only low survival rates (<12.5%) were found in mice immunized with the ...

Critical studies on binding-based RT-PCR detection of infectious Noroviruses.

Journal of Virological Methods — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

This study indicates an improvement in the evaluation of the infectivity of non-cultivable human NoVs. This is also a comprehensive study on both specific and non-specific binding properties of NoVs. PMID: 21843552 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Virological Methods)

Successful control of a norovirus outbreak among attendees of a hospital teaching conference

American Journal of Infection Control — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We report an outbreak of norovirus gastroenteritis after a hospital teaching conference, and describe the specific measures instituted by the infection control team. No secondary cases of norovirus infection were identified among hospital staff or patients. In a case-control study, we identified multiple food source contamination as the source of the outbreak. Our report highlights the potential success of a multifaceted infection control strategy in preventing the transmission of norovirus in health care settings. (Source: American Journal of Infection Control)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

NC State gets $25 million grant to nullify norovirus

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(North Carolina State University) Remember that last case of food poisoning? Odds are it was caused by a nasty pathogen called a norovirus. NC State will use a $25 million grant from the US Department of Agriculture to lead a national team of researchers to learn more about what makes noroviruses tick, and how they make you sick. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Evaluation of third-generation ELISA and a rapid immunochromatographic assay for the detection of norovirus infection in fecal samples from inpatients of a German tertiary care hospital

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 05:53:12 +0100

Abstract The analytical accuracy of the RIDASCREEN Norovirus 3rd Generation ELISA assay and the rapid immunochromatographic RIDAQUICK Norovirus assay were determined in comparison to PCR. In a prospective study 410 consecutive samples were collected from inpatients of a tertiary care hospital in Germany. All samples were tested with the two antigen detection assays, as well as with three different real-time reverse transcription PCR methods as the reference standard. A sample was considered true-positive if at least 2 out of 3 PCR methods yielded a positive signal (137 positive samples, >99% genogroup II). Compared with the PCR-based reference the overall diagnostic sensitivities of the ELISA and the immunochromatographic assay were 77% and 69% and the diagnostic specif...

Specimen collection and confirmation of norovirus outbreaks.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Plantenga MS, Shiferaw B, Keene WE, Biggs C, Terry JM, Grenz L, Cieslak PR We evaluated data from gastroenteritis outbreaks in Oregon to assess sensitivity of stool testing for norovirus and determine number of specimens needed to confirm norovirus as the cause. Norovirus can be readily confirmed if 3-6 specimens are collected any time <7 days after onset of diarrhea and for almost that long after symptoms resolve. PMID: 21801649 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)

Novel GII.12 Norovirus Strain, United States, 2009-2010.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Vega E, Vinjé J In October 2009, a novel GII.12 norovirus strain emerged in the United States and caused 16% of all reported norovirus outbreaks during the winter season. Sequence analysis demonstrated a recombinant virus with a P2 region that was largely conserved compared with previously sequenced GII.12 strains. PMID: 21801639 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)