The First Norovirus Longitudinal Seroepidemiological Study From Sub-Saharan Africa Reveals High Seroprevalence of Diverse Genotypes Associated With Host Susceptibility Factors
Year: 2018
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Human noroviruses (HuNoVs) are a prominent cause of gastroenteritis, yet fundamental questions remain regarding epidemiology, diversity, and immunity in sub-Saharan African children. We investigated HuNoV seroprevalence and genetic and sociodemographic risk factors in Ugandan children. Methods: We randomly screened 797 participants of a longitudinal birth cohort (Entebbe, EMaBS) and 378 from a cross-sectional survey (rural Lake Victoria, LaVIISWA), for antibodies against HuNoV genotypes by ELISA. We used linear regression modeling to test for associations between HuNoV antibody levels and sociodemographic factors, and with the human susceptibility rs601338 FUT2 secretor SNP and histo-blood group antigens (A/B/O). Results: Of EMaBS participants, 76.6% were seropositive by age 1, rising to 94.5% by age 2 years. Seroprevalence in 1 year olds of the rural LaVIISWA survey was even higher (95%). In the birth cohort, 99% of seropositive 2 year olds had responses to multiple HuNoV genotypes. We identified associations between secretor status and genogroup GII antibody levels (GII.4 P = 3.1 × 10-52), as well as ABO and GI (GI.2 P = 2.1 × 10-12). Conclusions: HuNoVs are highly prevalent in Ugandan children, indicating a substantial burden of diarrhea-associated morbidity with recurrent infections. Public health interventions, including vaccination, and increased surveillance are urgently needed.
Institutions: University of Cambridge, University College London, Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Université de Bourgogne, Procédés Alimentaires et Microbiologiques, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Institut Agro Dijon, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Jenner Institute, University of Makeni
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,359
Awards: The impact of helminths on the response to immunisation and on the incidence of infection and disease in childhood in Uganda., Characterisation of the Effect of Newly Identified Associated Genetic Variantson Lymphocyte Differentiation and Response to Childhood Vaccination., G2468189520, Defining Pathogen-sensing in Human Skin-derived Dendritic Cells., Unravelling the networks that determine and control norovirus infection and pathogenesis., G4989336674, The impact of helminths on the response to immunisation and on susceptibility to infectious diseases in childhood in Uganda., G7129414704, G7853697249, G7888718989
OpenAlex ID: W2801717873