Norovirus genotypes implicated in two oyster-related illness outbreaks in Ireland

Epidemiol Infect. 2014 Oct;142(10):2096-104. doi: 10.1017/S0950268813003014. Epub 2013 Dec 5.

Abstract

We investigated norovirus (NoV) concentrations and genotypes in oyster and faecal samples associated with two separate oyster-related outbreaks of gastroenteritis in Ireland. Quantitative analysis was performed using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and phylogenetic analysis was conducted to establish the NoV genotypes present. For both outbreaks, the NoV concentration in oysters was >1000 genome copies/g digestive tissue and multiple genotypes were identified. In faecal samples, GII.13 was the only genotype detected for outbreak 1, whereas multiple genotypes were detected in outbreak 2 following the application of cloning procedures. While various genotypes were identified in oyster samples, not all were successful in causing infection in consumers. In outbreak 2 NoV GII.1 was identified in all four faecal samples analysed and NoV GII concentrations in faecal samples were >108 copies/g. This study demonstrates that a range of NoV genotypes can be present in highly contaminated oysters responsible for gastroenteritis outbreaks.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caliciviridae Infections / epidemiology*
  • Caliciviridae Infections / virology
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Feces / virology
  • Gastroenteritis / epidemiology*
  • Gastroenteritis / virology
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Ireland / epidemiology
  • Molecular Epidemiology
  • Norovirus / genetics*
  • Ostreidae / virology*
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Viral Load

Substances

  • RNA, Viral