Avtor/Urednik     Lopman, Ben; Vennema, Harry; Kohli, Evelyne; Pothier, Pierre; Sanchez, Alicia; Negredo, Anabel; Buesa, Javier; Schreier, Eckart; Poljšak-Prijatelj, Mateja; Zimšek, Janet
Naslov     Increase in viral gastroenteritis outbreaks in Europe and epidemic spread of new norovirus variant
Tip     članek
Vir     Lancet
Vol. in št.     Letnik 363
Leto izdaje     2004
Obseg     str. 682-8
Jezik     eng
Abstrakt     Background Highly publicised outbreaks of norovirus gastroenteritis in hospitals in the UK and Ireland and cruise ships in the USA sparked speculation about whether this reported activity was unusual. Methods We analysed data collected through a collaborative research and surveillance network of viral gastroenteritis in ten European countries (England and Wales were analysed as one region). We compiled data on total number of outbreaks by month, and compared genetic sequences from the isolated viruses. Data were compared with historic data from a systematic retrospective review of surveillance systems and with a central database of viral sequences. Findings Three regions (England and Wales, Germany, and the Netherlands) had sustained epidemiological and viral characterisation data from 1995 to 2002. In all three, we noted a striking increase in norovirus outbreaks in 2002 that coincided with the detection and emergence of a new predominant norovirus variant of genogroup 114, which had a consistent mutation in ihe polymerase gene. Eight of nine regions had an annual peak in 2002 and the new genogroup 114 variant was detected in nine countries. Also, the detection of the new variant preceded an atypical spring and summer peak of outbreaks in three countries. Interpretatlon Our data from ten European countries show a striking increase and unusual seasonal pattern of norovirus gastroenteritis in 2002 that occurred concurrently with the emergence of a novel genetic variant. (Abstract truncated at 2000 characters)
Deskriptorji     GASTROENTERITIS
CALICIVIRIDAE INFECTIONS
DISEASE OUTBREAKS
FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
VARIATION (GENETICS)
SEASONS
RETROSPECTIVE STUDIES
POPULATION SURVEILLANCE
MUTATION
EUROPE