Detection of circulating norovirus genotypes: hitting a moving target.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although national surveillance programs are in place to monitor norovirus epidemiology, the emergence of new strains and the genetic diversity among genotypes can be challenging for clinical laboratories. This study evaluated the analytical and clinical performance characteristics of one real-time RT-PCR and two end-point RT-PCRs commonly used in microbiology laboratories.

Methods

Lower limit of detection (LoD) was determined using 10-fold dilutions of noroviruses belonging to different genotypes. The clinical performance of the real-time and end-point RT-PCRs was assessed in parallel using nucleic acids extracted from 186 stool specimens.

Results

The real-time RT-PCR was highly sensitive and specific for the detection of norovirus genotypes that are curren

SUBMITTER: Rooney BL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4112979 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature