Norovirus GII.4 Sydney

GII.4 Sydney is a strain of Norovirus first discovered in March 2012 and was the strain responsible for several Norovirus outbreaks worldwide, and appears to have replaced the previously predominant strain GII.4 New Orleans.[1] Millions of cases of GII.4 Sydney were reported in Australia, France, New Zealand, Japan, and elsewhere.[2] England and Wales reported 63% more cases for this strain than for the previous year's strain. It belongs to Genogroup II, genotype 4, or GII.4.

Norovirus GII.4 Sydney
Virus classification
(unranked): Virus
Realm: Riboviria
Kingdom: Orthornavirae
Phylum: Pisuviricota
Class: Pisoniviricetes
Order: Picornavirales
Family: Caliciviridae
Genus: Norovirus
Species:
Norwalk virus
Strain:
Norovirus GII.4 Sydney

This variant of the virus has a common ancestor with the previously dominant variants of GII.4 Apeldoorn (2007) and NewOrleans (2009), but is phylogenetically distinct. Amino acid changes are seen in the main epitopes, consistent with observations from prior epidemics. This may have led to an escape to existing herd immunity and might explain the observed increased outbreak activity.[3]

The virus can live on hard surfaces for several weeks and as few as 18 viral particles (virons) are enough to make a person sick (compared to 1,000 for the common flu). Common home cleaning agents do not eliminate the virus and it is only removed from a person's hands by repeatedly washing them.[4]

References
  1. "Notes from the Field: Emergence of New Norovirus Strain GII.4 Sydney — United States, 2012". CDC. January 25, 2013. Retrieved December 29, 2013.
  2. Vaesa, Janelle (23 January 2013). "Norovirus Spreads Worldwide in 2013: Viral Gastroenteritis". Archived from the original on 25 January 2013. Retrieved 24 January 2013.
  3. van Beek J, Ambert-Balay K, Botteldoorn N, Eden JS, Fonager J, Hewitt J, Iritani N, Kroneman A, Vennema H, Vinjé J, White PA, Koopmans M (3 January 2013). "Indications for worldwide increased norovirus activity associated with emergence of a new variant of genotype II.4, late 2012". Eurosurveillance. 18 (1): 8–9. doi:10.2807/ese.18.01.20345-en. PMID 23305715.
  4. Richard Besser (January 26, 2013). "Doctors Warn of New Stomach 'Superbug' Hitting U.S." ABC News. Retrieved December 29, 2013.
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