Phylogenetic analysis of norovirus isolates involved in some Canadian gastroenteritis outbreaks in 2004 and 2005.
Noroviruses are recognized as the most common cause of nonbacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. In this study, we investigated the molecular epidemiology of noroviral isolates in Canada from 2004 to 2005 by sequencing the RNA polymerase gene and capsid N-terminal/shell (N/S) domain. Norovirus genogroups I and II were thus found to have co-circulated in Canada during the studied period, with a higher incidence of genogroup II (95.7%). The GII-4 or Lordsdale subgroup was the predominant genotype, suggesting that norovirus genogroup II is the major cause of viral gastroenteritis in Canada, as it is in many other countries. Phylogenetic analyses of the RNA polymerase gene and the capsid N/S domain indicated different genotypes for 2 strains, suggesting probable genetic recombination. Sequencing of the norovirus polymerase gene may reflect actual classification but should be supported by sequence information obtained from the capsid gene.
Lamhoujeb
Safaa
S
Institut des Nutraceutiques et des aliments fonctionnels, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1K 7P4, Canada.
Charest
Hugues
H
Fliss
Ismail
I
Ngazoa
Solange
S
Jean
Julie
J
D017250:Caliciviridae Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D036022:Capsid Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / Q000235:genetics; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005759:Gastroenteritis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D017720:Molecular Epidemiology; D029322:Norovirus / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D010802:Phylogeny; D011995:Recombination, Genetic; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA
D036022:Capsid Proteins; D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases