Molecular and epidemiological trend of norovirus associated gastroenteritis in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Diarrhea, over the years, has killed millions of people and continues to be a major threat in Bangladesh.

Objectives: To determine the incidence of norovirus infection in infants and young children with acute gastroenteritis in Dhaka City, Bangladesh and to determine the genogroup and genotype in norovirus-positive stool specimens.

Study design: Fecal specimens were collected from infants and children with acute gastroenteritis in Dhaka City, Bangladesh from October 2004 to September 2005, and examined for norovirus by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

Results: Noroviruses were detected in 41 of 917 fecal specimens. Molecular analysis of norovirus was carried out by sequencing methods. Only norovirus GII/4 strains were detected during this study. The dominant genotype throughout the study period was GII/4. Norovirus infections were most commonly observed in winter and rainy seasons in Dhaka City. The common clinical symptoms in norovirus-infected patients were diarrhea (90%), vomiting (75%) and abdominal pain (46%).

Conclusions: This is the first epidemiological research of norovirus in Bangladesh. Norovirus is an important enteropathogen responsible for viral gastroenteritis among infants and children in Bangladesh.