Highlights► A multiplex real-time PCR was developed for the detection and quantitation of Rotavirus A and Norovirus genogroup II. ► An internal extraction and amplification control was incorporated. ► Real-time PCR was compared to the current gold standard, enzyme immunoassay. ► Real-time PCR was significantly more sensitive than enzyme immunoassay. ► Quantitation demonstrated that the viral loads of both pathogens were ten times greater in stools children with diarrhea than in children without diarrhea.

We performed a case–control investigation to identify risk factors for norovirus infections among children in Vietnam. Of samples from 1,419 children who had diarrhea and 609 who were asymptomatic, 20.6% and 2.8%, respectively, were norovirus positive. Risk factors included residential crowding and symptomatic contacts, indicating person-to-person transmission of norovirus.

HighlightsNoV was identified in the stools of diarrheal patients and controls in HCMC.The locations of the NoV infections were GPS mapped.A novel NoV GII.4-2010 (New Orleans) variant was detected.The NoV GII.4-2010 demonstrated a significant spatiotemporal signal.

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