Seroepidemiology of predominant norovirus strains circulating in Korea by using recombinant virus-like particle antigens

Foodborne Pathog Dis. 2013 May;10(5):461-6. doi: 10.1089/fpd.2012.1300.

Abstract

An epidemiological survey on human norovirus (NoV)-associated gastroenteritis was conducted to clarify the prevalence of NoV infections in children and adults in Korea. Recombinant capsid proteins from three major NoV genotypes (GI-4, GII-3, and GII-4) were expressed using a baculovirus expression system, and the morphology and antigenicity of self-assembled virus-like particles were then confirmed by electron microscopy and Western blotting with a NoV-specific antibody. To determine seroprevalence, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to detect antibodies against virus-like particles antigen in 346 serum specimens collected from persons who visited five public heath care centers for regular physical examination in Jeollanam-do, Korea, between 2005 and 2006. The seroprevalence of immunoglobulin G antibodies against the GI-4, GII-3, and GII-4 NoV genotypes was 84.1%, 76.3%, and 94.5%, respectively. A rapid decrease in seroprevalence occurred after birth, with the lowest levels observed in the <23-month age group, and a steep increase in seroprevalence occurred in early childhood, reaching 60.5% for GI-4, 65.1% for GII-3, and 90.7% for GII-4 at age 2-5 years, and over 80% for all three genotypes in subjects aged 20 years or older. The seroprevalence of different NoV genotypes statistically differed across the age groups (p<0.01).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood*
  • Antigens, Viral / genetics
  • Antigens, Viral / immunology*
  • Baculoviridae / genetics
  • Baculoviridae / metabolism
  • Caliciviridae Infections / epidemiology*
  • Caliciviridae Infections / virology
  • Capsid Proteins / genetics
  • Capsid Proteins / immunology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Feces / virology
  • Female
  • Gastroenteritis / epidemiology*
  • Gastroenteritis / virology
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Middle Aged
  • Norovirus / classification
  • Norovirus / genetics
  • Norovirus / immunology
  • Norovirus / isolation & purification*
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Republic of Korea / epidemiology
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Antigens, Viral
  • Capsid Proteins
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • RNA, Viral
  • Recombinant Proteins