Characterization of the new GII.17 norovirus variant that emerged recently as the predominant strain in China.

ABSTRACT: Human noroviruses are the most important viral pathogens causing epidemic acute gastroenteritis, in which the GII.4 viruses have been predominant worldwide for the past decades. During 2014-2015 winter season, a new GII.17 variant emerged as the predominant virus in China surpassing the GII.4 virus in causing significantly increased acute gastroenteritis outbreaks. Genome sequences of the new GII.17 variant was determined and compared with other GII.17 noroviruses, revealing residue substitutions at specific locations, including the histo-blood group antigen-binding site and the putative antigenic epitopes. Further study of GII.17 outbreaks focusing on host susceptibility showed that the new GII.17 variant infected secretor individuals of A, B, O and Lewis types. Accordingly, the P particl

SUBMITTER: Jin M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5756485 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature