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Virologie

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Human norovirus: any news? Volume 8, issue 6, nov.-décembre 2004

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Authors
Laboratoire de microbiologie, DEL/MIC/MP, Ifremer, BP 21105, 44311 Nantes cedex 03, Department of molecular virology and microbiology, Department of medicine, Baylor college of medicine, One Baylor plaza BCM-385, Houston, TX 77030, USA, Diagnostic laboratory for infectious diseases, National institute for public health and the environment, PO Box 1, 3720BA Bilthoven, Netherlands

Noroviruses, major agent of gastroenteritis in all age groups, are still not well known. Their high genetic diversity and the absence of a cell culture system complicate their characterization. Furthermore, recent data demonstrate that specific genetic factors are involved in NoV infection. As norovirus are frequently responsible for outbreaks of gastroenteritis, a European survey network has been created to standardize detection methods, facilitate epidemiological studies and the exchange of information. Thanks to this network, the appearance of a new NoV variant has been demonstrated in Europe, giving an explanation to the unusual peaks of NoV outbreaks observed in 2002.