Outbreak Of Gastroenteritis Research Articles

Role of post-harvest abiotic factors on interactions of Salmonella typhimurium with lettuce leaves (Lactuca sativa L. var crispa).

Role of post-harvest abiotic factors on interactions of Salmonella typhimurium with lettuce leaves (Lactuca sativa L. var crispa).

Report of two coinfections of human adenovirus and sapovirus in patients with acute gastroenteritis from China.

Coinfections involving multiple diarrheal viruses have gained increasing recognition as a significant cause of acute gastroenteritis in recent years. Understanding the genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships of these viruses is crucial for effective outbreak identification and tracking. To report two cases of HAdV and SaV coinfections and elucidate the genetic diversity and evolutionary patterns of these viruses through whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and phylogenetic analysis. A total of 873 diarrheal stool samples were collected from sentinel hospitals in Shenzhen, China, in 2021. The collected stool samples were identified using RT-PCR and positive samples were subjected to WGS on the NovaSeq platform. phylogenetic trees were constructed using MEGA to analyze genetic relationships. The sequencing results showed that both samples were human adenovirus type 41, which clustered in two distinct evolutionary clades. Additionally, we also retrieved the complete genome of sapovirus (GI.1 genotype) from the same sample. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that they were similar to previously reported strains, belonging to the clade predominating in China. This study reveals the genetic diversity of epidemic strains involved in coinfections of human adenovirus and sapovirus. The findings establish a groundwork for the identification and traces of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks.

A dual enhancement strategy for ultrasensitive detection of norovirus based on catalytic hairpin assembly-assisted CRISPR/Cas12a sensing system.

Noroviruses are a leading cause of food-borne illnesses, responsible for over 50% of global gastroenteritis outbreaks. Whereas reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) and other nucleic acid amplification methods are crucial for norovirus detection, their reliance on specialized equipment highlights the urgent need for more accessible detection methods. Herein, we propose an isothermal cascade signal amplification assay that integrates catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) and cluster regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas12a for rapid and accurate detection of norovirus in food samples. By incorporating the advantages of CHA and CRISPR/Cas12a, the dual signal enhancement sensing strategy can achieve high sensitivity low to 14 fM within 70 min, and good specificity in adenovirus, human enterovirus, rotavirus, and other interfering agents. The proposed dual enhancement strategy for norovirus detection has satisfactory accuracy and acceptable recoveries in milk samples compared with RT-PCR assay, and holds promise for improving food safety monitoring, particularly in dairy products.

Identification of Co-29, a 5-cyano-2-thiacetyl aromatic pyrimidinone, as a potential inhibitor targeting the RdRp of norovirus

BackgroundHuman norovirus (HNV) is the predominant pathogen causing outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis globally. Despite significant efforts to combat norovirus infections, there is currently no FDA approved vaccine or antiviral drug available. Consequently, the development of effective antiviral agents is of critical importance.Methods and resultsIn this study, a series of 41 5-cyano-2-thiacetyl aromatic pyrimidinone compounds were designed and synthesized. A cell viability-based screening for anti-murine norovirus (MNV) compounds was conducted, revealing that compound 29 (hereafter used as Co-29) exhibited antiviral activity against MNV. Co-29 demonstrated effective inhibition of MNVCW3 RNA replication, exhibiting an EC50 of 58.22 μM. An RdRp enzyme activity assay indicated that Co-29 directly inhibits RdRp activity to both MNV and HNV. Molecular docking studies suggested that Co-29 interacts with the palm region of RdRp via hydrogen bonding with specific residues, which are conserved in RdRps across MNV and HNV norovirus variants.ConclusionsIn conclusion, our study suggests that the newly synthesized Co-29 may serve as a potential antiviral candidate or lead compound for future studies.

Identification of a recombinant GII.13[P21] norovirus strain: molecular dynamic simulations indicate that gene mutations shifted its spectrum of binding to host receptor glycans.

Human norovirus is a pervasive pathogen that causes global outbreaks of viral gastroenteritis. Previous studies have suggested that histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) can interact with human norovirus, facilitating its entry of host cells and significantly affecting its evolution. In this study, the complete genome sequence of recombinant GII.13[P21] norovirus from fecal samples was analyzed. Molecular dynamics simulations of GII.13 norovirus P proteins from 1978 to 2019 showed changes in their capacity to bind to HBGAs. Initially, GII.13 proteins bound A or B/H-type HBGAs, but subsequent mutations resulted in a loss of this binding capacity, favoring binding to the HBGA type I precursor (Lewis c) over A or B/H and Lewis antigens.

A foodborne norovirus outbreak associated with six events and a single caterer, Canberra, November 2022.

An outbreak of gastrointestinal illness was investigated, affecting six events where attendees consumed food catered by a single catering business, in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Event attendees and the catering business were surveyed using tailored food questionnaires developed in REDCap and administered on-line. Descriptive analyses were conducted for all event attendees and employees of the business, and non-fatal productivity loss estimates calculated. Retrospective cohort studies were conducted for events that occurred on two specific days. A food safety inspection was undertaken of the catering business, and food and environmental samples were collected for microbiological analysis. Faecal specimens were collected from symptomatic event attendees. A total of 82.2% of event attendees (129/157) completed a survey, of whom 49.6% (64/129) reported gastrointestinal illness resulting in an estimated non-fatal productivity loss of AUD $23,700. Univariate analysis of data collected from events on 16 November identified that illness was significantly associated with consumption of vegetarian rice paper rolls (risk ratio [RR]: 1.6; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.0-3.0; p = 0.04). Multiple foods were significantly associated with illness from events that occurred on 17 November 2022. On multivariable analysis, vegetarian rice paper rolls were associated with illness on 16 November 2022 (RR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.01-2.8; p = 0.046); however no individual food categories were significantly associated with illness on 17 November 2022. Seven faecal specimens were positive for norovirus. While no food handlers reported illness prior to the outbreak, one food handler reported that their child had had gastroenteritis in the preceding week. Environmental Health inspection of the catering business identified inadequate handwashing facilities. Microbiological testing of seven food samples produced two marginal results: coagulase positive Staphylococcus in a sandwich egg mix and a high standard plate count in the roast beef. This gastroenteritis outbreak was determined to be due to norovirus. The infection source was suspected to be an asymptomatic food handler and inadequate food handling controls allowing contamination of certain foods. This study demonstrates the importance of effective hand hygiene and food handling practices at all times, given that asymptomatic individuals can excrete and transmit norovirus and these outbreaks can be large and costly.

Evaluation and Application of the MIRA-qPCR Method for Rapid Detection of Norovirus Genogroup II in Shellfish.

Globally, norovirus has become the primary cause of outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis, and an increasing number of norovirus GII infections have been associated with shellfish. This highlights the urgent need to establish sensitive and rapid detection platforms for timely screening of contaminated shellfish to reduce the risk of virus transmission. To address this challenge, we developed a novel detection method combining multienzyme isothermal rapid amplification (MIRA) with qPCR, referred to as MIRA-qPCR, specifically targeting norovirus GII. It exhibited robust specificity, demonstrating no cross-reactivity with sapovirus, rotavirus, hepatitis A virus, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, or Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and exhibited high sensitivity, detecting as low as 1.62 copies/μL for recombinant plasmid standards. Furthermore, MIRA-qPCR showed good linearity in the 1.62 × 101 to 1.62 × 107 copies/μL range, with an R2 > 0.90. MIRA-qPCR and qPCR assays were performed on 125 fresh shellfish samples; there was good consistency in the detection results, and the Kappa value was 0.90 (p < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of the MIRA-qPCR detection were 100.00% and 97.25%, respectively. The MIRA-qPCR technique provides a viable alternative for the rapid screening of norovirus GII-contaminated shellfish to guarantee food safety.

An MDR Salmonella Enteritidis sublineage associated with gastroenteritis outbreaks and invasive disease in China.

An MDR Salmonella Enteritidis sublineage associated with gastroenteritis outbreaks and invasive disease in China.

Footprints to findings: insight into causality of an acute gastroenteritis outbreak in a closed community

cases of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) within an urban community located in western Maharashtra. This investigation sought to identify the origin and causal agents of the outbreak, as well as to establish and implement measures to control its spread. Methods: A matched case-control study was conducted by taking 30 cases and 78 controls from that semi-urban residential area. Blood and stool culture samples of patients reporting to a primary health care facility were obtained using conventional culture techniques and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) kits. Epidemiological investigations comprised a review of surveillance data, filling of epidemiological case sheets, sanitary surveys, inspection of water supply and bacteriological surveillance of water and environmental engineering surveys. Results: The crude attack rate was reported to be 7%. Laboratory tests revealed multiple pathogens, including Pseudomonas, diarrheagenic E. coli, and Shigella. Environmental assessments highlighted issues such as rusted and leaky water pipes, sewage pipeline problems and insufficient chlorination of the water supply. Conclusions: A widespread outbreak of waterborne gastroenteritis occurred in this region due to contamination of drinking water. The contamination was caused by an improper connection between the sewage system and potable water pipelines. Recommended actions included repair of cross connections, improved treatment methods, adequate chlorination, regular inspections of the water supply and health education which significantly reduced the impact of outbreak.

Healthcare-Associated Gastroenteritis: Outbreak Report and Systematic Review of the Literature.

Healthcare-associated gastroenteritis continues to be associated with significant pediatric morbidity and mortality despite the introduction of rotavirus vaccines. Infection prevention (IP) measures are critical in mitigating outbreaks. We describe an outbreak of norovirus and effective IP strategies utilized and calculated the costs associated with the outbreak. To demonstrate the burden of these events, we conducted a systematic review of pediatric healthcare-associated gastroenteritis outbreaks since 1973 to describe changing epidemiologic trends. Twenty-four publications describing 27 outbreaks were included in the final analysis with 293 healthcare-associated cases. Rotavirus (14) and norovirus (7) outbreaks were most commonly described. Limitations include the retrospective nature of included reports, nonuniform data ascertainment and reporting among publications. Norovirus has replaced rotavirus as the most common etiology of healthcare-associated gastroenteritis outbreaks in North America, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand, since the introduction of rotavirus vaccines.

Norovirus GI.5 [P4]: first report of the rare norovirus recombinant variant in Northeastern Mexico and its global epidemiological context.

Norovirus is the primary cause of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks, considerably impacting children under 5years, followed by older adults and immunocompromised individuals. As an RNA virus, norovirus exhibits high genetic variability, driven by recombination events at the ORF1-ORF2 junction. This study reports the first detection of the rare norovirus GI.5 [P4] variant in Northeastern Mexico, identified in a single positive isolate (MTY0115; GenBank: PQ369661) from a sample group of 386 individuals, with a prevalence of 0.25%. Notably, norovirus GII was not detected. Phylogenetic analysis of the partial RdRp/VP1 region revealed clustering with global GI.5 [P4] sequences, revealing evolutionary relationships with isolates from Asia, Europe, and America. A recombination event was identified at position 5307 (breakpoint based on reference sequences of GI.5 [P5] and GI.4 [P4]) within ORF1, with genetic inheritance from a GI.5 [P5] isolate from Moscow, Russia, and a GI.4 [P4] isolate from France. Typing classification through sequencing of overlapping ORF1 and ORF2 regions is valuable for understanding genomic variations and their epidemiological impact on at-risk and non-risk populations.

Multi-Province Outbreak of Acute Gastroenteritis Linked to Potential Novel Lineage of GII.17 Norovirus in Argentina in 2024.

Noroviruses represent one of the leading causes of outbreaks and sporadic acute gastroenteritis (AGE) cases across all age groups. Although the GII.4 norovirus has been identified as the primary cause of most AGE outbreaks, the transient predominance of other genotypes has been reported globally. In this study, we describe a multi-province AGE outbreak caused by a potential new lineage of norovirus GII.17[P17], which has been recently detected at a high incidence in the United States and Europe. An amino acid analysis of the major viral capsid protein revealed several substitutions in the hypervariable region compared to strains circulating in the mid-2010s, which could play a key role in immune evasion. This is the first report of the detection of these viruses in the Southern Hemisphere, underscoring the importance of maintaining active genomic surveillance in the context of increasing numbers of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks.

Norovirus GII.17 gastroenteritis outbreak in a nursing home.

Norovirus GII.17 gastroenteritis outbreak in a nursing home.

Outbreak of Norovirus Infection in the Hematology Department of a Children's Multidisciplinary Hospital

Relevance. Noroviruses are currently considered the most common cause of sporadic cases and community-acquired outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) worldwide [1]. However, outbreaks of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) are also often caused by norovirus etiology [2], including in the Russian Federation [3].Aim. Analysis of key aspects of prevention and anti-epidemic measures against norovirus infection (NVI) in the hematology department.Materials and methods. The following epidemiological research methods were used: descriptive (intensity, dynamics, spatial characteristics of the NVI outbreak); analytical – longitudinal cohort study of the epidemic process of HAI – assessment of hypotheses about the causes and conditions, risk factors and routes of transmission of norovirus among patients and caregivers in the oncohematology department of the children's multidisciplinary hospital.Results and discussion. An outbreak of acute norovirus gastroenteritis of an imported nature was identified in the oncohematology department of a children's multidisciplinary hospital in February 2023, an analysis of the spread of NVI was carried out: the presumed source and mechanism of transmission of norovirus infection was established; the chronology of the spread of norovirus among patients and their caregivers is shown, a list of anti-epidemic measures taken to stop the outbreak is presented, and the difficulties of verifying the epidemiological diagnosis of HAI are reflected (based on the efficiency of laboratory testing of material from patients).Conclusion. Based on the results of the activities carried out, recommendations were proposed for improving preventive and anti-epidemic measures for acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children's oncohematology departments.

Global burden and trends of norovirus-associated diseases from 1990 to 2021 an observational trend study.

Norovirus remains a significant viral cause of waterborne and foodborne gastroenteritis outbreaks and epidemics worldwide. The burden of norovirus extends across different income settings. Leveraging secondary data from the 2021 Global Burden of Diseases Study, our analysis spanned the period from 1990 to 2021 to assess the burden of norovirus-associated diseases (NADs). We utilized descriptive statistics to examine global mortality rates and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). For trend analysis, we employed annual percentage change (EAPC) through linear regression and applied Joinpoint analysis to identify significant changes over time. A comprehensive age-period-cohort model evaluated the key mortality risk factors. Furthermore, a Bayesian age-period-cohort analysis was conducted to forecast trends up to 2035, providing valuable insights for policy formulation and resource allocation. In 2021, the global age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) for NADs was 1.62 per 100,000 population (95% UI: 0.35 to 2.91), while the age-standardized DALY rates (ASDR) was 79.02 years per 100,000 population (95% UI: 26.61 to 132.26). A downward trend was observed in most regions and countries, with EAPC of -4.29% (95% UI: -4.53 to -4.05) for ASMR and -4.40% (95% UI: -4.62 to -4.19) for ASDR from 1990 to 2021. Notably, children under 5 years old had considerably higher ASDR: 475.52 years (95% UI: 160.73 to 893.72) per 100,000 for males and 335.44 years (95% UI: 112.29 to 623.48) per 100,000 for females. Mortality risk from NADs escalated with age, with a peak of 69.27 (95% CI: 64.04 to 74.92) per 100,000 for the under-five age group, and 11.38 (95% CI: 10.59 to 12.22) per 100,000 for individuals over 95 years. Bayesian Age-Period Cohort projections indicate a continued decline in ASMR and ASDR through 2035. Between 1990 and 2021, ASMR and ASDR for NADs significantly declined due to public health interventions, vaccination, and improved sanitation. However, norovirus remains highly contagious, especially among children and the older adult. Projections suggest a continued decrease in the burden of such diseases by 2035. To further reduce this burden, preventive measures like vaccination and infection control strategies are essential for high-risk populations, alongside ongoing research into norovirus epidemiology and transmission dynamics.

Prevalence of extended-spectrum �-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli associated with outbreaks of food-borne gastroenteritis in Tehran

Prevalence of extended-spectrum �-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli associated with outbreaks of food-borne gastroenteritis in Tehran

Application of Pan-Viral Metagenomic Sequencing on United States Air Force Academy Wastewater to Uncover Potential Causes of Acute Gastroenteritis.

Wastewater surveillance is an important technique to monitor public health and is being studied extensively for pandemic prevention, force health protection and readiness, and as a potential early warning system for chem-bio defense. Wastewater surveillance has traditionally relied on techniques such as quantitative PCR or targeted sequencing, both of which are microbe- or disease-specific tools. Newer pan-viral metagenomics strategies may provide higher specificity for pathogens of interest, resulting in a lower false negative rate and reduced sequencing of undesired background nucleic acids. One such system, VirCapSeq-VERT, has been developed to targetall vertebrate virus pathogens; until recently, its application has been limited to clinical samples. The objective of this study was to use VirCapSeq-VERT to interrogate wastewater samples from the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, Colorado, to determine its utility in assessing complex samples and its potential application in public health surveillance. Biweekly samples were analyzed from February 2022 through May 2023. Samples were collected from the wastewater treatment facility at USAFA before treatment and stored at -20 °C until total nucleic acid (tNA: DNA and RNA) extraction. tNA was then subject to the probe-based capture system, VirCapSeq, and run through a collection of public bioinformatics pipelines to identify captured viral pathogens and perform phylogenetic analysis. It was determined by the USAFA IRB that the study was non-human subject research and was deemed exempt. In total, 68 families of viruses were identified, comprising thousands of individual strains. This study focused on viruses responsible for gastrointestinal dysfunction as a test of the use of the VirCapSeq-VERT to identify human pathogenic viruses within a complex and highly enriched biological sample. Four enteric viruses dominated the wastewater samples, with Adenoviridae most prevalent before the cadet winter recess (December 17, 2022-January 4, 2023) and Astroviridae most abundant thereafter. Although gastroenteritis outbreaks at USAFA are commonly attributed to norovirus because of clinical presentation and the acute nature of the illness-often diagnosed and treated without confirmatory stool testing-this virus was not found in high prevalence in these wastewater samples. Among adenoviruses, F serotype 41 predominated, suggesting a role in gastrointestinal infections among the cadet population. Phylogenetic investigation of adenovirus and norovirus exposed common variants with seasonal distributions. These findings may prompt correlational studies to assess the clinical predictive capability of VirCapSeq-VERT and to determine the utility of wastewater monitoring as an outbreak early warning system.

Comparing Two Seawater Temperatures For Human Norovirus Depuration From Oysters

Comparing Two Seawater Temperatures For Human Norovirus Depuration From Oysters

Complete genome characterization by nanopore sequencing of rotaviruses A, B, and C circulating on large-scale pig farms in Russia

BackgroundRotaviruses are the major etiological agents of gastroenteritis and diarrheal outbreaks in plenty of mammalian species. The genus Rotavirus is highly diverse and currently comprises nine genetically distinct species, and four of them (A, B, C, and H) are common for humans and pigs. There is a strong necessity to comprehend phylogenetic relationships among rotaviruses from different host species to assess interspecies transmission, specifically between humans and livestock. To reveal the genetic origin of rotaviruses from Russian pig farms, nanopore-based metagenomic sequencing was performed on the PCR-positive specimens.MethodsSamples were selected among the cases submitted to routine diagnostic or monitoring studies to the Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of “Federal Scientific Center VIEV” (Moscow, Russia). The selected positive samples were genotyped using nanopore sequencing method.ResultsFive porcine RVA isolates were completely sequenced, and genotype analysis revealed various porcine G/P genogroups: G2, G3, G4, G5, G11 and P[6], P[7], P[13], P[23], P[27] with a typical backbone constellation I5-R1-C1-M1-A8-N1-T1/7-E1-H1. The RVB isolate was detected in combination with RVA in a rectal swab from a diseased pig in Krasnoyarsk Krai. It was characterized by the following genogroups: G15-P[X]-I11-R4-C4-M4-A8-N10-T4-E4-H7. The first complete porcine RVC genome from Russia was obtained with genomic constellation G6-P[5]-I14-R1-C1-M1-A7-N9-T6-E1-H1, and the phylogenetic analysis revealed putative novel genotype group for the VP6 gene-I14. Additionally, the first porcine kobuvirus isolate from Russia was phylogenetically characterized.ConclusionsThe applied nanopore sequencing method successfully genotyped the RV isolates and additionally revealed co-circulated species. The study demonstrates high genetic variability of Russian RVA isolates in VP4/VP7 genes and phylogenetically describes local RVB and RVC. Complete characterization of genomic segments is a crucial methodology in tracing the rotavirus's evolution and evaluating interspecies transmissions.

Feta safe than sorry - gastroenteritis outbreak associated with contaminated cheese

Abstract A gastroenteritis outbreak among attendees at a catered HSE event was notified. No faecal samples were obtained - all cases had recovered. An outbreak control team was convened. A retrospective cohort study hypothesised that “people who attended the HSE event and subsequently became unwell did so as a result of consuming food at the event”. Epidemiological, environmental, and microbiological investigations commenced. An outbreak-specific food questionnaire was distributed. The food business was inspected, obtaining food samples. Survey responses were analysed.The attack rate was 25%. Associations were identified between illness and specific foods. Multivariable regression highlighted: feta salad (OR = 36.22 [95% CI 2.24-585.52] p = 0.01), and turkey (OR = 12.57 [95% CI 1.12-140.58] p = 0.04). Most (93%) turkey consumers had consumed feta salad. Microbiology of unopened feta cheese, sourced by the caterer from a supermarket, was positive for E coli at 1.7 x 105. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland corroborated separate illness complaints from a family consuming the product. The supermarket voluntarily withdrew the product internationally.This outbreak prompted a cross-sectoral food safety investigation. Despite no pathogen detection in a faecal samples, epidemiological evidence led to the withdrawal of contaminated feta by the supermarket, removing over 1000 units from the market, emphasising the importance of epidemiology in protecting public health. Key messages • Epidemiological investigation resulted in mass contaminated cheese withdrawal internationally. • Cross-sectoral work is important to safeguard public health.