Characterization of Norwalk-like virus associated with gastroenteritis in Indonesia

Norwalk Virus and Norwalk-like viruses (NLVs) are reportedly responsible for 2.5-4.0% of non-bacterial acute gastroenteritis (NBAG) worldwide. To help clarify the impact of NLVs on NBAG in Indonesia, stool specimens from 102 patients, 74 with NBAG and 28 with BAG, were screened for the presence of NLVs, using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. The specimens were subtyped using prototype-specific oligonucleotide probes and were sequenced and compared with published NLV sequences. Of the 102 specimens examined, 31 (30%) were found to be positive for NLVs. Type-specific probe analysis of the RT-PCR products indicated that 31 isolates hybridized to UK1 (Taunton agent) and UK3/4 (Hawaii agent/Snow Mountain agent) prototype strains. The results of this study indicate that prototype strains of NV or NLVs co-circulate in Indonesia and contribute to the overall level of acute gastroenteritis throughout the region. (C) 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.