Noroviruses are leading cause of gastroenteritis worldwide. Although infections in healthy individuals are self-resolving, immunocompromised individuals are at risk for chronic disease and severe complications. Chronic norovirus infections in immunocompromised hosts are often characterized by long-term virus shedding, but it is unclear whether this shed virus remains infectious.

A new study published in Viruses investigated the prevalence, genetic heterogeneity and temporal aspects of norovirus infections in 1 140 patients treated during a six-year period at a pediatric research hospital. In addition, 20 patients with chronic infections lasting 37 to > 418 days were identified.

Here, a new human norovirus in vitro assay was used. The results confirmed continuous shedding of the infectious virus—the shedding lasted longer in male patients and those with diarrheal symptoms.

In inference, it was stated that prolonged shedding of infectious norovirus in immunocompromised hosts can potentially increase the chances of transmission. The findings emphasized upon the importance of isolation precautions in the prevention of nosocomial infections.

Source: Viruses. 2020 Jun 5;12(6):E619. doi: 10.3390/v12060619.