Genetic and epidemiological analysis of norovirus from children with gastroenteritis in Botswana 2013–2015

摘要

BackgroundNorovirus is a leading cause of viral gastroenteritis worldwide with a peak of disease seen in children. The epidemiological analysis regarding the virus strains in Africa is limited. The first report of norovirus in Botswana was in 2010 and currently, the prevalence and circulating genotypes of norovirus are unknown, as the country has no systems to report the norovirus cases. This study investigated the prevalence, patterns and molecular characteristics of norovirus infections among children ≤5 years of age admitted with acute gastroenteritis at four hospitals in Botswana.