title: Seroprevalence of norovirus genogroup IV antibodies among humans, Italy, 2010-2011.
abstract: Noroviruses (NoVs) of genogroup IV (GIV) (Alphatron-like) cause infections in humans and in carnivorous animals such as dogs and cats. We screened an age-stratified collection of serum samples from 535 humans in Italy, using virus-like particles of genotypes GIV.1, circulating in humans, and GIV.2, identified in animals, in ELISA, in order to investigate the prevalence of GIV NoV-specific IgG antibodies. Antibodies specific for both genotypes were detected, ranging from a prevalence of 6.6% to 44.8% for GIV.1 and from 6.8% to 15.1% for GIV.2 among different age groups. These data are consistent with a higher prevalence of GIV.1 strains in the human population. Analysis of antibodies against GIV.2 suggests zoonotic transmission of animal NoVs, likely attributable to interaction between humans and domestic pets. This finding, and recent documentation of human transmission of NoVs to dogs, indicate the possibility of an evolutionary relationship between human and animal NoVs.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Di Martino
authors.forename: Federica
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Di Profio
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ceci
authors.forename: Elisabetta
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Di Felice
authors.forename: Kim Y
authors.initials: KY
authors.lastname: Green
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bok
authors.forename: Simona
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: De Grazia
authors.forename: Giovanni M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Giammanco
authors.forename: Ivano
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Massirio
authors.forename: Eleonora
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lorusso
authors.forename: Canio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Buonavoglia
authors.forename: Fulvio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Marsilio
authors.forename: Vito
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Martella
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D017250:Caliciviridae Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000266:history / Q000821:virology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005759:Gastroenteritis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology; D005838:Genotype; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D029322:Norovirus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology*; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D007074:Immunoglobulin G