Rapid emergence and predominance of a broadly recognizing and fast-evolving norovirus GII. 17 variant in late 2014

Chan, M. C.., Lee, N., Hung, T.-N., Kwok, K. , Cheung, K., Tin, E. K.Y., Lai, R. W.M., Nelson, E. A. S., Leung, T. F. and Chan, P. K.S. (2015) Rapid emergence and predominance of a broadly recognizing and fast-evolving norovirus GII. 17 variant in late 2014. Nature Communications, 6, 10061. (doi: 10.1038/ncomms10061) (PMID:26625712) (PMCID:PMC4686777)

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Abstract

Norovirus genogroup II genotype 4 (GII.4) has been the predominant cause of viral gastroenteritis since 1996. Here we show that during the winter of 2014–2015, an emergent variant of a previously rare norovirus GII.17 genotype, Kawasaki 2014, predominated in Hong Kong and outcompeted contemporary GII.4 Sydney 2012 in hospitalized cases. GII.17 cases were significantly older than GII.4 cases. Root-to-tip and Bayesian BEAST analyses estimate GII.17 viral protein 1 (VP1) evolves one order of magnitude faster than GII.4 VP1. Residue substitutions and insertion occur in four of five inferred antigenic epitopes, suggesting immune evasion. Sequential GII.4-GII.17 infections are noted, implicating a lack of cross-protection. Virus bound to saliva of secretor histo-blood groups A, B and O, indicating broad susceptibility. This fast-evolving, broadly recognizing and probably immune-escaped emergent GII.17 variant causes severe gastroenteritis and hospitalization across all age groups, including populations who were previously less vulnerable to GII.4 variants; therefore, the global spread of GII.17 Kawasaki 2014 needs to be monitored.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Kwok, Ms Kirsty
Authors: Chan, M. C.., Lee, N., Hung, T.-N., Kwok, K., Cheung, K., Tin, E. K.Y., Lai, R. W.M., Nelson, E. A. S., Leung, T. F., and Chan, P. K.S.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity > Centre for Virus Research
Journal Name:Nature Communications
Publisher:Nature Publishing Group
ISSN:2041-1723
ISSN (Online):2041-1723
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2015 The Authors
First Published:First published in Nature Communications 6: 10061
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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