Electron microscopic reporting of gastrointestianal viruses in the United Kingdom, 1985–1987

Abstract

We examined some epidemiological features of the viruses associated with gastrointestinal illness, using national data reported by electron microscopists in the United Kingdom. During the 3 years analyzed (1985-1987), a total of 1,993 positive detections of astroviruses, caliciviruses, coronaviruses, and small round structured viruses (SRSVs) were reported. In 1 year of this period, 8,210 rotaviruses were reported. More than 90% of the astroviruses and caliciviruses were detected in children under 5 years of age, while coronaviruses and SRSVs were detected in adults as well as children. Detections of astroviruses increased in the winter and were infrequent during the summer, a seasonal pattern similar to that observed for rotaviruses. There was some variability between reporting regions in rates of detection of fecal viruses. We have attempted to identify the reasons for this. We make suggestions for improving the detection of human fecal viruses, and we recognize the need for continued surveillance of these agents.

Incidence of human calicivirus and rotavirus infection in patients with gastroenteritis in South Africa

“…HuCVs were demonstrated by EM in only 12/560 (2.1%) specimens examined. Although EM has low sensitivity for the detection of HuCVs [Green et al, 1995a], it is a useful ''catchall technique'' in which all viruses present in sufficient numbers can be detected [Monroe et al, 1991]. The recombinant EIAs for the detection of NV and MX antigens proved to be less sensitive than both RT-PCR and EM, detecting MX antigen in only nine (0.7%) and NV antigen in none of the stools screened.…”

Molecular Epidemiology of Genogroup II-Genotype 4 Noroviruses in the United States between 1994 and 2006

“…In this study, we analyzed only outbreaks for which samples were submitted to the CDC. Prior to 1995, most outbreak samples were tested for NoV by electron microscopy or serology (3,25); with the introduction of RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR methods, the NoV detection rate has increased greatly (3,25,40). To strengthen the current NoV outbreak surveillance and to obtain a better assessment of the true burden of NoV illness as well as the early detection of newly emerging GII.4 strains, real-time RT-PCR assays have been implemented in most laboratories of state health departments.…”

Diversity of enteric viruses detected in patients with gastroenteritis in a tertiary referral paediatric hospital

“…In hospitalised children aged 6-24 months, rotaviruses are a major cause of gastroenteritis and it has been shown that 24-35% of hospitalisations of gastroenteritis were attributable to rotaviruses [Lew et al, 1990;Monroe et al, 1991]. Several studies have characterised the group A rotaviruses circulating in the paediatric population in hospitals and in the community [Cubitt et al, 2000;Iturriza-Gomara et al, 2000;Koshimura et al, 2000] by G and P typing and electropherotyping [Noel et al, 1991].…”